Honoring Thy Father

 Opening Song: I Know My Father Lives (Hymnal 302)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/hymns/i-know-my-father-lives?lang=eng

Opening Prayer: 

Scripture: Proverbs 4:1 "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding."

    

     President Ezra Taft Benson taught that a father's calling "is an eternal calling from which he is never released" (To the Fathers in Israel, 2021). What a blessed gift it is to be a father. It is a noble calling from our Heavenly Father. A father's role in the family can not be replaced by any other. In the Family: A Proclamation to the World we are also taught that "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" (Church of Jesus Christ, 1995). There are many principles and practices that make up a righteous father.

Fathers are to preside. 

    As seen in the Proclamation what does preside mean? (wait for some answers or descriptions, maybe even suggest they give some examples of the definition). Fathers who preside direct and lead their children and families with spiritual guidance. This is the highest duty and obligation of a father to help his family thrive in happiness and joy in the home. It is important that he does this always with "love and righteousness" (Botherson. S., 2012). Fathers should be teachers, examples, and strive to be a spiritual influence on their children. 

Fathers partner with their wives and children. 

Activity: Look to The Family: A Proclamation to the World and find the portion where it mentions this. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/10/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng

    Research has shown that the relationship that a father has with his children's mother is the "secret ingredient" that makes fathering the best recipe for success (Botherson. S., 2012).

When both parents can work together to fulfill their parental roles a healthy marriage makes this possible. Making decisions together helps create a healthy home. 

Fathers also can partner with their children. 

Discussion: What are ways a father can partner with his children? Here is a small list to add to:

• Listen to them
• Teach them new skills
• Correct them with love
• Spend quality time with them

    Fathers who take the time to connect with their children have a greater influence on their lives. Starting this at a young age and throughout their lives helps children grow into healthy adults and parents themselves. 

Fathers are to be present. 

    This is a strong element in the development of a child. A father can have a profound influence on his children when he is present in their lives. He can be impactful in helping them develop skills that will help them to grow up in righteousness and to be valued, responsible citizens. 

Video: Watch the following video on a current news story about a group of fathers who took a stand to show their presence in their children's school in Louisiana.  

Discussion: What are some things you noticed about these fathers and what impact they had on their community? It is important to also notice that they didn't just do this for their children. Their presence to show love, respect, and security for others was meant for all the children there, not just their own. Fathers have an obligation to be a presence of light and good in everyone's life around them. 

Fathers are to provide.

    Fathers are not only to provide spiritual needs for the children but physical as well. The Proclamation to the World, mentions that fathers are to provide necessities of life as well as protection (Church of Jesus Christ, 1995, para. 6). 

Scripture: Read D&C 75: 28 Verily I say unto you, that every man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provided, and he shall in nowise lose his crown.

A father who provides sets an example for future generations. A father who leads by example can help his children develop and learn to care for themselves and others. 

Fathers are to protect.

    Our greatest example for protection is our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Atonement helps us from the effects of pain in this life because of His sacrifice. Fathers who protect role model responsible and positive behaviors to their children by their example. When children learn from their fathers how to develop healthy righteous habits they will learn to protect themselves by making good choices throughout their lives. This helps them avoid unrighteous living as they grow and develop. 

Testimony: 

    My father and grandfather had profound influences in my life. I learned the gospel was important and would bless my life if I followed the teachings of Jesus Christ. They showed me how important it is to treat others, especially their wives. They provided a happy and safe environment in their homes. I felt protected there. The spirit was present where they were. They honored their priesthood and exercised it worthily. I was able to be blessed by this throughout my life. I am grateful for their worthiness to hold the priesthood and that they held all the qualities to honor their sacred calls as fathers.

(As you sing, listen to the words and reflect on the qualities you want to be as a father or the type of man you would want to marry to be the father of your children someday) 

Closing Song: Fathers (Children's Songbook, p. 209)

Closing Prayer:

References

To the Fathers in Israel. (2021). Churchofjesuschrist.org. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/10/to-the-fathers-in-israel?lang=eng

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (1995). The Family: A Proclamation to the World. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng

Brotherson, S., “Honoring thy father: key principles and practices in fathering” (2012), Hawkins, A. J., In Dollahite, D. C., & In Draper, T., Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives.

 

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