Ephesians 6:14 reminds us dads that we shouldn’t be wearing comfy clothes. We should be wearing battle gear. You are in a spiritual battle, and God has given you the armor needed to stand and lead your family. Here’s how:

#1 Stand up. “Stand therefore…” Fatherhood is often about not backing down when a challenge shows up. The world pressures you to compromise, lower your standards, and stay silent about what you believe.

Paul doesn’t say to retreat or go with the flow. He says, stand. Stand on God’s promises. Stand for what is right. Your kid needs a dad whose confidence comes from Christ instead of culture.

#2 Fasten yourself with God’s truth. “[H]aving fastened on the belt of truth…” The belt that Roman soldiers wore held their armor together and prepared them for battle. God’s truth is the one thing that will hold your life together. Go to Him, believe in Him, and rest in Him every single day.

Build your life and home on what God says, not what everyone else thinks. Preach the gospel to yourself and your family constantly because the world is preaching something different. As God’s Word shapes your thoughts, words, and actions, you’ll stand, keep your footing, and give your family the leadership they need.

#3 Don’t forget your protection. “[H]aving put on the breastplate of righteousness.” A Roman soldier’s breastplate protected his heart from attack. Walking with God guards your heart today.

Know Him and His Word so much that you live it; it just comes outta you! Don’t give Satan an inch or a moment. Trust me, as your kids see you pursuing God, they’ll see what it looks like to follow Jesus every day.

7 Bible Verses About Debt Worth Reading Slowly: Financial advice is everywhere. Here is what God actually says about borrowing, repayment, and the freedom He wants for your family.

The Secret to Discipling Your Kids as a Busy Dad: Josh Brecheen serves in the U.S. Congress and still does daily Bible study with his kids. This week, he joined Lawson and me to talk about how busy dads can make discipleship a priority without waiting for life to slow down.

“A man’s life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching.” —C. H. Spurgeon

Before starting the day tomorrow, take five minutes to prepare for the battle instead of reacting to whatever happens. Ask yourself: Where am I tempted? Where do I need to stand firm?

Read Ephesians 6:14 every day over the next week. Ask God for strength and wisdom. Pick one specific act of obedience for the day. Maybe it’s speaking truth in love, leading your son in prayer, having a conversation instead of another lecture. The point being: put on your armor before doing battle.

The battle is real, but God has given you what you need to stand and be the godly example your family needs.

Kent Evans
Executive Director at 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.