What are the qualities he holds? Are any of them ones you as a father might want to cultivate?
"by divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families" The Family: A Proclamation to the World
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1993) explained a father's responsibility to meet his family's needs as follows:
Those needs are more than food, clothing, and shelter. Those needs include righteous direction and the teaching, by example as well as precept, of basic principles of honesty, integrity, service, respect for the rights of others, and an understanding that we are accountable for that which we do in this life, not only to one another but also to the God of heaven, who is our Eternal Fathe
President Ezra Taft Benson suggested ten ways fathers can become better spiritual leaders:
- Maintain your worthiness so you can give father's blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your sons to the priesthood. These will become spiritual highlights in the lives of your children.
- Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings. Your personal involvement will show your children how important these activities are.
- Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family. Family worship under your leadership is vital to your children's spiritual welfare.
- Make sure your family has fun together. Go on campouts and picnics, to ball games and recitals, to school programs and parent-teacher conferences. Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-son outings. Having Dad there makes all the difference.
- Build family traditions, such as family vacations, holiday activities, and birthday celebrations. Your children will never forget the memories you build together on these occasions.
- Have regular one-on-one visits with your children. This personal time tells them they are Dad's top priority. When you meet together, give your children a chance to lead the conversation. Teach them gospel principles and good values. Tell them you love them.
- Teach your children to work. Show them the value of working toward a worthy goal. If you establish mission funds and education funds, you'll show your children what Dad considers important.
- Encourage good music, art, and literature in your home. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty bless the lives of children.
- As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife. By your example, your children will come to understand the importance of temple marriage, temple vows, and the eternal family unit.
- Let your children see that you find joy and satisfaction in service to the Church. Your joy can become contagious to them so that they, too, will want to serve
Reference
Brotherson Sean, (2012) "Honor Thy Father": Key Principles and Practices in Fathering, Successful Marriages and Families Proclamation Principles and Research Prespectives.
Perry, L. T. (1977, November). Father—Your role, your responsibility. Ensign 62-64. Retrieved Nov 20th 2012
Benson, Ezra Taft (1987, November). To the fathers in Israel . Ensign . 48-51. Retrieved Nov 20th 2012
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