James E. Faust on noble fatherhood

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"Noble fatherhood gives us a glimpse of the divine attributes of our Father in Heaven. A father should be many things. He should magnify his priesthood and be an example of righteousness. In companionship with his wife, he should be the source of stability and strength for the whole family. He should be the protector and the provider and the champion of the members of his family. Much of his love for his children should flow from his example of love, concern, and fidelity for their mother. By his uncompromising example he should instill character into his children."

- James E. Faust, "Them That Honour Me I Will Honour," Ensign, July 2001, pp. 46-7
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Fatherhood is a noble thing; sadly, it is not treated as such by too many in our society. President Faust's description of the meaning of "noble fatherhood" is inspiring and instructive. "A father should be many things" — indeed, and every father should ask himself how he is doing.

• a father should magnify his priesthood
• a father should be an example of righteousness
• a father should be the source of stability and strength for a family, along with his wife
• a father should be the protector and provider and champion of family members
• a father should flow with love for his children
• a father should be an example of love, concern, and fidelity for his wife
• a father should instill character into his children by his uncompromising example

That's an impressive vision of "noble fatherhood."