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

Questions:

What characteristics does the ideal father have?

What does it look like to preside, provide, and protect?

How can I be a better father in my home?

Quotes:

An almost perfect relationship with his father was the earthly root of all his wisdom. From his own father, he said, he first learned that Fatherhood must be at the core of the universe. [speaking of George MacDonald] -C.S. Lewis

In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are coequals. -Gordon B. Hinckley

When you recognize the importance of teaching your children, you become humble, because at once you realize that this is accomplished by precept and example. You cannot be one thing and effectively teach another. You must live and study and pray for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. You must purify and organize your life so that your example and leadership reflect the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “You must plan your day as guided by the Spirit of the Lord, earnestly seeking your own welfare and the welfare of your family before other cares blind you to these first responsibilities. As we have been taught by living prophets, ‘No other success in life can compensate for failure in the home. -David O. McKay

I include the sisters because it is crucial for everyone to understand what is expected of the brethren. Unless we enlist the attention of the mothers and daughters and sisters—who have influence on their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers—we cannot progress. The priesthood will lose great power if the sisters are neglected. -Boyd K. Packer, The Power of the Priesthood April 2010

Fathers, by divine decree, you are to preside over your family units. This is a sobering responsibility and the most important one you will ever assume, for it is an eternal responsibility. You place the family in its proper priority. It’s the part of your life that will endure beyond the grave. -L. Tom Perry, Fatherhood an Eternal Calling


 



Scriptures:

In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. -Proverbs 14:26, Holy Bible

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. -Psalms 127:3-5, Holy Bible

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; -Ephesians 5:25, Holy Bible

Definition:

Provide - to say that something will or should happen : to make it certain or possible that something will happen or be done

Preside - to exercise guidance, direction, or control

Protect - to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction; guard; defend