As dads, we’re used to carrying the busyness of work, family, and whatever needs doing at the house. But sometimes in the busyness of it all, we end up following “to-dos” instead of Christ. If we want to be godly leaders, following Christ is a must, and in John 10:27, Jesus shows us what it’s about: hearing, knowing, and following.

#1 You hear Him. “My sheep hear my voice…” Jesus starts with belonging. “My sheep” reminds us that we are His, saved by grace and not by any performance we might have. To “hear” His voice means more than listening; it means responding and doing what He says.

Everyone is listening to something. The big question is, which voice is shaping your life? Sometimes you can hear God’s voice through a conviction about the tone you used over dinner, a prompting to apologize first, or a nudge about what you left unsaid. His sheep hear His voice through His Word, and they don’t ignore it.

#2 He knows you. “…I know them…” This may be the most comforting phrase in the verse. Jesus doesn’t just know the number of hairs on your head. He knows you personally, and He still loves you! Your identity begins with being known by Him, not with proving yourself to Him.

Whether you feel strong or like an exhausted, underqualified scoundrel, Jesus is not confused about who you are. He knows your heart, your struggles, and your weaknesses, and He loves you. You do not have to earn His attention or His love.

#3 You follow Him. “…they follow me.” This is where listening becomes living. To follow Jesus means aligning your life with His leadership and being shaped by doing what He says. Sheep do not lead the Shepherd; they trust Him enough to go where He leads.

Your family does not need a perfect father. They need one who follows God. Sometimes that looks like working hard at work. Sometimes it looks like taking time off to engage with the family. Sometimes it looks like apologizing first, praying first, or calming down first. If you follow God, you’ll give your family someone worth following.

How to Talk to Your Teenager About Hard Topics: Hard conversations with your teenager do not have to be rare, awkward, or dreaded. Here’s how to have them without forcing the conversation.

Why God Rested on the Seventh Day (And Why You Should Too): Lawson and I talked this week about something most dads never give themselves permission to do: rest. If you have been running nonstop, this one is for you.

“The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One.” —A.W. Tozer

“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” —Elisabeth Elliot

Sheep do at least these things well: they listen to the Shepherd, and then they follow Him. It’s not about trying harder, but about following closer.

Work on pausing before reacting. Ask God for help. Sometimes following Jesus means being calm and saying the encouraging thing. God doesn’t ask you to be flawless, just faithful. As you follow Him, your kids will learn what it looks like to walk with God.

Take some time to reflect on the voices that are shaping the guy your family experiences every day.

The godly dad doesn’t always have it all together; he’s simply the one who stays close to the Shepherd.

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.