I think 100% of the time we spend worrying about tomorrow is wasted (Matt 6:25-34). And, I know you. If you disagree, you’ll let me know about it (my email inbox testifies!). Dads often tell us one of their big challenges is time. There’s not enough of it. The little they have is slipping away. They wish they could get some back from [that one?!] stupid decision they made. So, it stands to reason, time is so precious, we can’t waste one drop. Worrying is a huge time waster. But, let’s not confuse worrying with planning. Planning is smart, strongly encouraged (Prov 21:5, Luke 14:28). Yet, I tend to live past this moment. I’m in the present, but aggressively thinking about the future. I may call what I’m doing “planning” or “good stewardship,” but, often, it’s just plain worrying. Will my next book sell? Will we land some new donors? Will my boys make wise choices? Dad, you don’t have time to waste. Translated: you don’t have time to worry.

What does sexual purity look like in practice? Sexual impurity starts in the mind. We have to be careful what we put in front of our eyes (Psalm 101:3; 119:37). You may think porn is no big deal because it’s not real life, but Jesus called it adultery (Matthew 5:28). Be the Fort Knox of guarding your mind and heart (Proverbs 4:23).

The sex talk is not one talk, it’s M.A.N.Y. of them: It’s time to talk! As dads, our goal is to raise our kids to honor God in their sexuality. Therefore, it’s essential to have M.A.N.Y. talks with our kids related to sexual purity. And more importantly, these aren’t one-way lectures. Over time, invite your kids to ask questions and spark real conversations at various stages of their understanding. Try not to baby them, tell it to them straight. They will engage if you lead with openness and sincerity.

“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia.” – Charles M. Schulz

“Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” – Corrie Ten Boom

“Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.” – George Washington

What are you worried about? Write it down. You may resist this exercise, with a pseudo-spiritual reply like, “Oh, I have things on my mind, but I don’t ‘worry’.” Maybe. But, odds are, you have at least one thing that occupies your mind, is about the future – yet concerns you today – over which you have little or no control. Just write it down, or tap it into your notes app. Simply listing the worry or worries is a great first step to ridding yourself of them. Once they’re listed, ask God to help you not worry about each one!

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

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.