Good morning brothers and sisters and happy fathers day. Today I was asked to give a talk about fathers. Fathers are fundamental in the divine plan of happiness and have even been described as unique and irreplaceable. As a society we believe that the main role of a father should consist of leading, providing, teaching and loving his family.
While all these things are important here on earth in the spirit world, the most essential thing a father can do for his family, is to turn the hearts of his children towards Heavenly Father. God our father in heaven is a perfect example of what a father should be. Strong, courageous, compassionate and even tempered
Acting on these divine attributes are acting in the divine attributes of our heavenly Father. The Lord trusts earthly fathers to shape their children and point them in the right direction. It is essential that families have the light of Christ in their homes. Satan has made it more apparent that he is trying to attack families. Families that do not have the light of Christ in their homes, stray farther and farther from the truth.
The example you give is the greatest light you can hold before your children and you are accountable for that light. The spirituality of your children will shine brighter and they will love more intensely. It will be easier for them follow counsel. The lessons you teach them when we learned more readily and surely. Proverbs 22:6 says, "start children oft the way they should go and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.
Fatherhood is a relationship of love, and understanding. It is strength and manliness and honor. It is power in action and it is counsel and instruction. To be one of your own authority and example. As a father your children will learn your ways, beliefs, your heart, your ideas and your concerns.
My dad has provided a home that has set us on the path to Eternal salvation by leading a righteous life. He always ensures that we will have the opportunity to attend any church event no matter if is a temple session or youth activity. If we were in town we will be there. I've been blessed to have so many great examples of fathers in the church as well. Whether it be youth leaders or bishops, they have all been great examples to me. And I can't believe I'm saying this but even some of the young men.
You don't have to be a father to influence those around you for good.
I've been influenced by my teachers, family, friends and many others. Without the support of men in the community around me it would not be the same.
There are examples of men teaching others in scriptures. For example, Helaman, the son of Alma the younger, was an excellent father to his own children but before that, he filled a fatherly role to 2,000 young men. And later, 60 more who fought in his Army. In Acts 20:35 it reads, "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus how he said, "it is more blessed to give than to receive." In the 88th section of the Doctrine and Covenants It reads, "I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another, the doctrine of the kingdom. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you. Fathers as you teach others, may you follow the example of the perfect teacher, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ left his footsteps in the sand of the seashore, but left his teaching principals in the hearts and in the lives of all whom he taught. He instructed his disciples of that day, and to us he speaks the same words.
Being a father requires much sacrifice for his family, I hope that today we can be thankful for the life that they provide us. I hope that you can take the time today to express your love and appreciation for your father or the men that have influenced your life.
I want to thank all of you for being a good example to me. It has helped me to stay grounded in my beliefs. I know that God created families and mothers & fathers are equally important in their roles. I want to bear my testimony that I know that fathers are important and that they are pillars in their children's lives. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.