👨‍🏫 What will you teach your kids this year?

How are those New Year’s resolutions going fellas??

You’re doing great. Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back.

Insight: “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” — Henry David Thoreau

Why this matters: This is an interesting paradox, given that our lives as fathers are busier than ever. What strikes me, though, is the type of busyness we find ourselves in. This quote gets to the heart of what I believe many men want but struggle to maintain — consistency and persistence in the mundane yet transformative work of being an elite dad, husband, and man. The work I’m referring to is the development of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) in yourself and your home. That work will keep any man busy, lead him down the right path, and bring success along with it.

Wisdom: "It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings." — Ann Landers

Why this matters: This brings to mind the old saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” There is immense value in teaching, and therein lies one of the greatest challenges we face as dads. With countless demands vying for our attention, it’s easy to rush through the day and shut our brains off when it’s over. But this quote offers a powerful charge for how we approach our relationships with our kids: rather than doing things for them, teach them to do (insert life lesson/virtue/skill) for themselves. It takes more time and effort, but the long-term impact is worth it.

We see this modeled by Jesus when he called his disciples, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). These men knew nothing about expanding the kingdom, but Jesus did. Rather than doing it for them, he chose to teach them—because true growth comes through equipping others.

Action: "Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." — Ben Franklin

Why this matters: Simplicity is powerful, and this quote captures so much of what being an elite dad is all about—aggressively addressing your weaknesses, pursuing peace with those around you, and consistently growing as a man. These are also excellent reflection points as we head into the new year. Are you confronting any strongholds in your life (Hebrews 12:1)? Are you at peace with others, or is there someone you need to reconcile with (Romans 12:18)? And big picture—are you further along in your growth as a man today than you were this time last year (2 Peter 3:18)? Why or why not? Take some time to reflect on these questions this week.

• Hebrews 12:1 — ”Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us….”

• Romans 12:18 — “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

• 2 Peter 3:18 — “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

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