Respect for fathers

While many in society are denigrating fathers and diminishing their role in the home, James E. Faust claims a father in the home is more important than ever. Social scientists indicate that the absence of a father is a greater predictor of criminal behavior than income, education or race. While individual children may do all right, few come "unscathed through fatherless communities."

Although mothers may play the primary role as caregivers, the role of fathers in the home needs to be strengthened. To this we need to "sustain and respect" the father in his position and show him love, understanding and appreciation.

On the other hand, fathers must not shirk their responsibilities. American general Douglas MacArthur, described the important role of fathers when he said: "By profession I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder—infinitely prouder—to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; the father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentiality of death; the other embodies creation and life. And while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me not from the battle but in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer, 'Our Father who art in heaven.' "

The Savior showed through his example how to truly respect fathers for throughout his life he showed great love for his Father in Heaven. He said he did nothing except it was what his father had done. And because his Father loved him he showed him all that he had done. (John 5:19,20) He did all things the Father expected of him. In return, the Father did not leave him alone. (John 8:29) Similarly, when we show our love and respect to our Heavenly Father through obeying his commandments, he has promised that he will be with us. What a great blessing that is in our lives.

Reference: James E. Faust, "The Father Who Cares," Ensign, Sept. 2006, 3. Retrieved September 30, 2006 from http://www.lds.org.