Most men won’t fall in a single moment of rebellion. No, spiritual death looks more like a slow drift over time—through isolation, distraction, busyness, silence—maybe even success. Hebrews 3:13 hits us with this reality head-on and offers God’s plan for keeping our minds on Him. Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Let’s look at three words that show us how to protect ourselves from falling—and what’s at stake if we don’t.

#1 Exhort. Exhortation is not about barking orders from a distance; it is coming alongside a brother with presence, truth, and direction. Israel drifted when they looked back in sentimental longing for Egypt. Isolation breeds the same danger. Left alone, the temptation that started small only grows. But when you encourage another brother, your faith increases. Sin deceives by exaggerating pleasure and camouflaging cost. You can expose that lie from Satan in yourself and guys around you.

#2 Every day. Faith is not built on occasional sprints but on daily obedience exercised. The daily practice of fundamentals—things that don’t seemingly matter start to mount up to a life of faithfulness. Hebrews presses this idea of urgency: today is the decision point. You either walk with God or drift from Him—right now. You cannot reserve obedience for later. Delay is how drift begins, and drift always costs more than it promises.

#3 Hardened. A hardened heart does not form overnight. The heart calluses slowly as sin deceives. Scripture calls it deadly—a terminal disease. But God can give you a new heart. He can transform you. The real danger is not a stumble, but unbelief that denies your need for Christ once—and then becomes unbelief forever.

What God Says About Providing for Your Family: God’s provision rarely arrives in excess; it shows up as daily bread, quiet faithfulness, and wisdom for the next step. Scripture tells a steadier story—where trust, action, and spiritual strength become the true foundation of how a father provides.

God Directed Our Steps – Lessons for Dads Looking Back on 2025: Feeling the pressure to set a big resolution? Before you sprint into the new year, hit pause. In this episode, Lawson and I flip the script and interview each other—reflecting on 2025’s highs, lows, and the unmistakable ways God showed up. From 30-year anniversaries to job changes, parenting to provision, they unpack what really matters heading into 2026.

C. S. Lewis: “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.”

You cannot lead your family well if your own heart is quietly drifting. Your kids learn faith by how you lead yourself and others. You can be the example of independence or humility—not both. Find the daily encouragement, honest exhortation, and faithful intervention before drift becomes damage or death. Identify one thing you can do to encourage yourself and someone else. Do not wait for crisis. God calls you to obedience today.

Question: When was the last time I invited someone to speak into my life?

Next step: Do one encouraging thing for your wife and kids this week—without broadcasting that you did it.

Pray: Lord, protect my heart from quiet drift. Give me humility to listen to You and others. Help me lead my family from a gentle, faithful heart. Amen.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, 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.