Two anchors should shape your identity: you are who God says you are AND no one else defines you. Let’s unpack how Scripture talks about these two truths.

#1: You are who God says you are. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Gen. 1:27). You don’t create your identity; God already has. You are who He says you are. The world insists identity is self-made or self-selected, but the world doesn’t know God’s wisdom. Scripture says God created us in His image—male and female—and called us to steward His world. Your identity comes from Him, don’t trade His design for the world’s definitions.

#2: No one else defines you. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? (Gal. 1:10). Think you don’t chase approval? Everyone around you—spouse, kids, boss, friends—echoes either the world or God’s Word about identity. No one gets to redefine you. God says you’re valuable and designed for His purpose. Reject the world’s lies; preach truth to yourself and your family. Remember Paul: he once lived for power and applause—the world—even persecuting believers. Then Christ changed him. He learned you can’t serve two masters—you can’t seek man’s approval and God’s. Choose God’s voice and lead your home with it.

How to Raise Successful Kids: Every parent wants to raise “successful” kids. We’re just not always clear on what that term actually means. The world will throw out things like wealth or fame, but are those the things that really matter in life? They aren’t bad, but should they ultimately define “success” for our children? For Christ followers, God’s Word should provide the game plan for raising successful kids. This article considers how Jesus grew up and identifies some practical areas where we can follow His example in raising successful sons and daughters.

IDENTITY – Components: Kent and Lawson ask a simple but vital question: Who do you say you are? In part two of their series on identity, they dig into the “I Am” statements of Jesus—what’s true only of Him, what’s true of us, and where those truths overlap. It’s a direct challenge to reject the world’s labels and remember this: your identity isn’t built on roles, performance, or personality—it’s anchored in Christ. You’ll leave with clarity on who you are and how to help your kids find their identity in Him too.

Lecrae: “If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.”

Build, Don’t Break. Partner with God to help your kids anchor identity in truth. “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col. 3:21). Your voice—and example—shape how they see God and themselves. Don’t help the world’s lies; point them to God’s Word.

One common way to provoke and discourage your kids? Hypocrisy. Do you preach one standard but live another? Lead by example, drawing your worth from God instead of performance. Build a home that is prayerful and encouraging—where discipline and calm live.

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.