Odds are, your kids won’t drift into following Jesus. Instead, they’re much more likely to know Him if you’re intentional about praying with them, stepping into their world, and being an example of sacrifice. Colossians 3:12 says: Put on then…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Let’s unpack what these look like.

#1 Compassionate hearts, kindness… As a believer, you’re supposed to act like one. Compassion means you aren’t cold—you see the needs in front of you. Kindness is in line with this trait. You carry a different attitude than others—a friendly, helpful mindset. Compassion and kindness are intentional—you enter your kids’ world. You pursue them rather than them having to somehow please you. Reminder: Compassion is kindness in action.

#2 Humility, meekness… Humility means you aren’t prideful. You put others before yourself. You’re considerate and gentle. You can be strong, but strength is shown in how you sacrifice for others—rather than others bowing to you. You value time with your kids over any hobby. Humility and meekness are strength under control.

#3 Patience… You can suffer and handle things without frustration or irritation. How you respond matters. You set the tone for your home. Will you mess up? Sure. There’s only one perfect father—our Heavenly Father. But generally, your kids should see a careful and calm response to the chaos. Patience is staying power in the struggle.

How Engaged Fathers Shape Their Children’s Faith, Future, and Legacy: Like most dads, you probably have a lot of irons in the fire. You’re juggling so many plates in life that you feel like auditioning for the circus. Yet, your priority as a father has to be your sons and daughters. Your God-given responsibility is to move them forward in their faith and to build a Christ-centered legacy that will touch lives long after you’re gone. This article can help you move in that direction.

Dr. Kim Kimberling On Parenting With Grace: Ever wondered how to parent kids in a culture ruled by social media and cancel culture, what it means to be intentional as a dad, or how to practically cultivate grace in your home? We get into that and much more. Dive into our conversation with Dr. Kim and be encouraged, challenged, and inspired.

D. A. Carson: “People do not drift toward holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture.”  

William Barclay: “It is most significant to note that every one of the virtues and graces listed has to do with personal relationships between man and man. There is no mention of virtues like efficiency, cleverness, even diligence and industry—not that these things are not important. But the great basic Christian virtues are the virtues which govern and set the tone of human relationships. Christianity is community.”

Jesus Clothes. Looking like Christ means putting on His clothes. Here are some examples to live by this week.

Compassion: Schedule one “Serve Saturday” a month—pick a neighbor, church, or local organization with a need—meet it.

Humility: Adopt a “Dad goes first” mentality. When you blow it, own it fast—no excuses, no blaming. Be the dad known for correcting his mistakes.

Patience: Practice pausing this week. When something frustrating happens, pause—breathe, ask God to give you patience for the moment.

Are three things too much? Pick one idea and run with it. Don’t announce it to your family. Resist over-promising something. Just go live it out.

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.