You’re being shaped by something. Psalm 1:1-3 shows us that being a godly dad is about more than just avoiding bad stuff or even knowing some Bible facts. It’s about recognizing what influences you, what fills your mind, and what example you’re giving those around you.

#1 What’s shaping you? “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers…” Psalm 1 gives us three things: walk, stand, sit. Where you walk is where you stand, and that’s ultimately where you sit. Sounds a bit like Deuteronomy 6:7, huh?! You should teach the law to your kids when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Counsel here means a way of thinking and what you choose to do. Your kids are watching what you laugh at, listen to, watch, follow, and excuse. Guard your influences. Not everything deserves your attention. What shapes you now will eventually shape your family. So notice what shapes you.

#2 What’s filling your mind? “[B]ut his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Your mind is being filled with stuff every single day. The question is, with what? Maybe today it’s your next deadline at work (or fantasy football). Psalm 1 says the blessed man delights in God’s instruction and keeps returning to it.

Do you keep coming back to the law, God’s Word, for instruction and guidance? Do you carry Scripture with you? Do you read it, think about it, and meditate on it? Scripture should shape how you handle stress, how you make decisions, how you love your wife, and how you lead your kids. So fill your mind with God’s Word.

#3 What are you creating? “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” A tree doesn’t randomly force fruit out. It stays rooted near water that gives it life. Over time, the tree grows, strengthens, and bears fruit in its due time.

The same thing happens when you stay in God’s Word. Eventually, usually not overnight, fruit will show up in your character, choices, marriage, and parenting. Your kids may never know how many books of the Bible you read, but they’ll experience the dad who’s being shaped by it. So stay close to His Word. Let God grow you.

How to Bless Your Child: Isaac blessed Jacob. Jacob blessed his sons. Jesus blessed children. Here is how to carry that tradition into your home.

Feeling Isolated as a Dad? You Don’t Have to Do This Alone: If fatherhood has felt isolating lately, this one is for you. Lawson and I share stories from dads who are seeing God work in them and talk about why slowing down to notice God’s work is a must.

“The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.” —D. L. Moody

Identify one voice that has been shaping you lately: social media, work, friends, entertainment, or even your own thinking. Return to Psalm 1:1-3 every day this week to remind yourself what your life should be about.

At the end of each day, you can reflect by asking yourself: What is shaping me most right now, and is it making me more like Jesus?

What you stay close to will show up in your life.

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.