Imagine handing your wife and kids a card asking for one word that describes you as a dad. What would you hope they’d write? Before you answer, here are three ideas worth shooting for.

#1 Selfless. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). It’s so easy to lean toward pride and selfishness. But selfishness and conceit don’t make sense for the believer. These traits aren’t love. Do you truly lift others up? Today, consider how you can put your family first. Maybe it’s a conversation where you listen before jumping into a lecture. Maybe it’s as simple as letting the kids pick the dinner spot. Point is, humility and putting others first builds trust over time—and that’s what we want.

#2 Gentle. “To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2). Gentleness doesn’t get much play in our world. Gentleness requires maturity. Gentleness isn’t passivity—it’s strength. You shouldn’t be known for always barking orders around the house. Be known for quiet strength instead. Example: How you talk about others shows gentleness. God calls you to not argue or fight with others, but to show respect with how you speak. As a believer, you’re called to be considerate.

#3 Christlike. “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature…” (Heb. 1:3). You’re called to reflect Christ in your life. Jesus was known for bearing the burdens of others. Do you notice when someone’s hurting?

How Passive Men Negatively Affect Their Households: Sometimes, it’s OK to take a break, to take a vacation from the stresses and pressures of life. But when that “vacation” transforms into abdicating the roles and responsibilities God has given you as a man, a husband, and a father, that’s a problem. It’s called “passivity,” and it has devastating effects on men and their families. As Christian guys, we’re called to reject passivity. This article examines the damage it can do and why we need to fight against it.

What’s the ONE Word?: Every dad wants his kids to describe him with words like faithful, gentle, loving, godly, and patient. But if our kids were brutally honest, would the word they choose instead be angry, stressed, or even absent? That’s the sobering question Kent and Lawson tackle in this episode, guiding dads through a simple yet powerful exercise that reveals how our everyday actions shape how our kids truly see us.

Billy Graham: “Live so that when your children think of integrity, they think of you.”

Say One Word. Maybe you’re prone to telling your kids, “Don’t you say one more word.” Well, tonight, maybe over dinner, ask your family: “What’s one word you’d use to describe me as a dad or husband?” Now, here’s the tricky part: simply listen. Resist the urge to justify or excuse whatever they say. Then choose one trait (maybe one from the above list) to grow in based on Scripture and feedback.

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.