"As a husband, he would live with respect for his wife, standing side by side with her, never belittling her nor demeaning her, but rather encouraging her in the continued development of her talents and in the church activities which are available to her. He would regard her as the greatest treasure of his life, one with whom he can share his concerns, his innermost thoughts, his ambitions and hopes. There would never be in that home any 'unrighteous dominion' of husband over wife (see D&C 121:37, 39), no assertion of superiority, no assertion of authority, but rather an expression in living which says that these two are equally yoked....
"How beautiful is that home where lives a man of godly manner, who loves those for whose nurture he is responsible, who stands before them as an example of integrity and goodness, who teaches industry and loyalty, not spoiling his children by indulging their every wish, but rather setting before them a pattern of work and service which will underpin their lives forever. How fortunate is the man whose wife radiates a spirit of love, of compassion, of order, of quiet beneficence, whose children show appreciation one for another, who honor and respect their parents, who counsel with them and take counsel from them. Such home life is within the reach of all who have cultivated in their hearts a resolution to do that which will please their Father in Heaven."
- Gordon B. Hinckley, "To Please Our Heavenly Father," General Conference April 1985
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
President Hinckley was serving as a counselor to President Spencer W. Kimball when this talk was given. He used as his theme a statement from President Kimball, who had said that in his early youth he "made up his mind that he wanted to please his Heavenly Father." President Hinckley suggested that would be a good measure for all the activities of our lives, and then described a number of scenarios in which we could reflect that spirit.
How pleased our Heavenly Father would be if every home reflected the leadership and strength of a father who is committed to the gospel, devoted to his beloved wife, and deeply involved in teaching and nurturing his children:
The goal of every husband and father should be to live in a "godly manner" filled with love and care for those in his stewardship. It's interesting that President Hinckley focuses on the teaching of hard work and service as primary responsibilities of a father. When children learn these habits, they "will underpin their lives forever."
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)
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