Here’s the problem: success is relative. Ask the real estate agent and he’ll mention how many homes he sold last month. Yeah, you need to move properties if you’re in real estate. But what does success look like as an agent: connections at the country club? forecasting buyer-seller markets? The more I think about it, success misses the point by a mile. We define success by how we’re doing on stuff that doesn’t matter. That’s failing. Paul jotted down for Titus a list of what to look for in a leader. Guess what, “guy with deep pockets” didn’t make the cut. Turns out, if you’re starting something important (in this case, the CHURCH!), it’d be wise to find the guy who’s above reproach, faithful to one wife, and his kids aren’t spoiled brats. Paul’s words. My keyboard. From your world of craving cash and approval, God whispers, “Be faithful to three things: your God, your wife, and your kids.” Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, said, “The question on that (judgment) day will not merely be, what did you leave behind?… You won’t be asked about your income. You will be asked, ‘What did you do that had eternity tied to it?”

7 FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIPS IN THE BIBLE: Think you’re the only one going through the struggles of raising a son into manhood? Think again! The Bible is filled with stories of fathers and sons who experienced both the ups and downs of what life has to offer. This article highlights seven biblical father and son relationships—both good and bad. Through these accounts, God the Father gives us some great insights into how we can guide our earthly sons toward authentic manhood.

JON SEIDL AND THE KEY TO FINDING REST: We live in a culture where chronic anxiety and other mental health concerns are almost commonplace. What’s worse, they’ve become rites of passage for our children, as well. Jon Seidl understands the paralyzing toll mental health issues can have on individuals and families. He’s lived it firsthand and shared his experiences in his book, “Finding Rest: Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life.” In this podcast, Jon shares his personal struggles and encourages guys to get the help they—and their families—need.

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” —C. S. Lewis

“You are called not to be successful or to meet any of the other counterfeit standards of this world, but to be faithful and to be expended in the cause of serving the risen and returning Christ.” —Charles Colson

“…Do the right thing. The rest doesn’t matter.” —Marcus Aurelius

“Many Christians dread the thought of leaving this world. Why? Because so many have stored up their treasures on earth, not in heaven. Each day brings us closer to death. If your treasures are on earth, that means each day brings you closer to losing your treasures.” —Randy Alcorn

Count the cost. Would you describe yourself as faithful to God, your wife, and your kids? How would you know? Are you blameless before God? Faithful to your wife? Do your kids act like spoiled brats? Why or why not? If you stop to think, you’ll feel a tug toward praise or confession for each. Stop failing for success. Remember: Cash holds no value in the kingdom. Since cash isn’t great at covering sins, you’re gonna need faithfulness this week.

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.