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TheDiscipleMD

Several years ago in a priesthood meeting we were reminded of the solemn duty and responsibility men have been given to lead out in spiritual things. We need to be reminded often of this duty, as the doctrine of the world can be enticing and alluring. Our discussion was echoing the final words written so many years ago by Joseph Fielding Smith:

“We must be prepared to defend the truth and as men holding the Holy Priesthood…be prepared to protect the members of the Church against the cunning devices that are being employed in opposition to the Gospel, to wean away our members who are not sufficiently informed and who lack the abiding testimony which faithfulness and obedience will ensure to every soul. War, quietly, insidiously, and with some fear because of the spread of the truth, is being waged against the restoration of divine truth”.(“The Divine Church, Down through change, Apostasy therefrom, and Restoration, Being a course of study for the Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums, Second Part-Manual for 1953 by James L. Baker).

A few years ago in a leadership meeting a sister brought up the issue of husbands and fathers not taking enough lead in their homes over spiritual matters. She felt that too many women of the church were having to “prod” their husbands to have family prayer, family home evening, scripture reading and other spiritual matters. Sadly, her assessment is correct in too many of our homes. This should not be so! It is a solemn  responsibility for a husband and father to lead out in spiritual matters.  A man who doesn’t lead out jeopardizes the confidence of his wife and children. He weakens his influence and sends a message that things of a spiritual nature are not that important.

The Lord has given charge to men that they should be leading, along with their wives, in the education and teaching of their children regarding the laws and commandments of God.  Therefore, a man should be constantly striving to gain spiritual knowledge so as to be able to, not only teach his  family, but also in fortifying himself so that he doesn’t fall victim to the shifting “philosophies” of men. The world is very  cunning!  Husbands and fathers need to spiritually educate themselves sufficiently so that they can stand strong in the war being waged against the divine truth.  Let us not leave this heavy burden on the shoulders of our wives.  As men, may we step forward and take the lead in learning the ways of God, so that, as Paul wrote:

“…we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; ( Ephesians 4:14)

“But speaking the truth in love, (our family) may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (vs. 15)

Let us not be found at the judgment day lacking in fulfilling our role as a father and a husband. Let us be vigilant and courageous in teaching, and leading our families back to the Savior of the World, even Jesus Christ!