“My son is in high school and I’m running out of time,” one dad told me. I get it. One day it hits you, “I need to teach my kids x, y, and z. But they haven’t nailed down d, e, or f yet.” Solomon got it. He wrote today’s Proverbs to his son. God knew we needed wisdom because we’d die without it. Reminder: Solomon didn’t find a ton of wisdom in his family, but rape/murder/cover-ups were aplenty. Solomon reminds us: #1 You are your kid’s example: “My son, do not forget my teaching” (3:1) assumes you’re teaching your kid. That you #2 Lead biblical conversations consistently: “Let your heart keep my commandments” (3:1). Yes, teach him how to change tires, but get deeper than life skills and Bible trivia and into applying Scripture to his life. That you walk with God “for length of days and years of life” (3:2). Download God’s commands into your child’s heart by living them out at home. Why? Because #3 Peace happens: God says, “and peace they will add to you” (3:2). No matter how much time you have left with your kids, it won’t feel like enough. With God’s help, you can find peace knowing you’re passing down wisdom to your kids.

HOW TO EMOTIONALLY CONNECT WITH YOUR CHILD: The old cliché states a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In other words, strong connections make all the difference. As a dad, you’ve got to be intentional about making and sustaining healthy emotional connections with your kids. Here are seven ideas for how you can get started right now.

JEFF KEMP: FINDING A FRESH START IN CHRIST: As guys, we’ve all crossed lines that we never should have crossed and made mistakes that we wish we could go back and change. But while time machines aren’t an option, we can rest in the knowledge that God provides fresh starts. Even solid believers who have walked with the Lord for years can get a much-needed second chance in Him. Author and speaker Jeff Kemp has discovered that truth firsthand as he has learned more about what it means to be a son of the Father. His message to men is that we really can begin again if we’re willing to receive what Christ has for us and embrace the unique identity He offers.

“God never calls you to a task without giving you what you need to do it. He never sends you without going with you.” —Paul David Tripp

“A father that disciplined his son for swearing, and swore himself whilst he disciplined him, did more harm by his example than good by his correction.” —Thomas Fuller

“Above all, we as parents must make sure that the open book of our lives – our example – demonstrates the reality of our instruction, for in watching us they will learn the most.” —Kent Hughes

“Let your children have this conviction in their hearts, “If there are but two real Christians in the world, my father is one, and my mother is the other.” —John Angell James

Pass down wisdom, but first. If you feel like the dad quoted above—like you’re running out of time. Think of that one moment/mistake/thing you said with a negative tone—make that thing right. You’ll have a tough time passing down anything to your kid without having a real connection. Get right and then pass down wisdom. There’s no connection without forgiveness. And there’s no forgiveness without admitting wrong. God wants to fix that thing on your heart. Ask Him. Remember: God can restore anything, even lost time.

Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.