What makes a successful father today?

No trophy declaring "World's Greatest Husband," or "World's Greatest Dad," can adequately describe what impact a worthy priesthood holder makes on his family. Trophies for successful family leadership are not found in the world's hardware stores. They are contained in the individual pencil sketches and crayon drawings of children. A child's memento is the true measure of a father's worth.

Time magazine recently suggested that rapid advances in technology will make the "job" of father obsolete during the 21st century. (See Time, May 22, 2000, p. 73.) The editors' assessment — albeit tongue in cheek— has a certain ring of truth to it.

A study released this month shows what happens when fathers — or mothers, for that matter — abandon their spouses and children. The number of U.S. youngsters with emotional and behavioral problems has soared in recent years, in part because of the increase in single-parent households, researchers found. While the study in the journal Pediatrics cites better recognition of such emotional and behavioral problems by physicians, most of the problems these children faced were linked to problems associated with the children's life at home. (Associated Press report, June 7, 2000, in Deseret News, p. A4.)

Some men, unfortunately, have put so much distance between themselves and their families that they may literally be strangers, even if they share the same household. Others recognize the value of their families and do more than occasionally show up at meal time or between time-outs during sporting events.

President Harold B. Lee reminded priesthood holders succinctly: "The greatest of the Lord's work you brethren will ever do as fathers will be within the walls of your own home." (Conference Report April 1973, p. 130.) President Lee's statement remains clear today: Family responsibilities have eternal consequences, and fathers will be held accountable for their actions and, in some cases, their inaction.

For fathers who make the effort to involve themselves wholly in the lives of their families, many satisfying moments are realized. President Spencer W. Kimball summed up a father's responsibility this way: "For the young man, his education is important, his mission vital; but his proper marriage and his proper life to be a righteous father and to properly provide for and give leadership to a family — that is wonderful, a wonderful role in life to play." (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 326.)

He also said, "Brethren, love your wives . . . stay close to them, and consider with them the family problems. And the Lord will bring down upon you blessings you have been unable to even imagine at this time." (At an area conference in Sweden, 1974.)

President Ezra Taft Benson also stressed the importance of home and family. "Fathers, you cannot delegate your duty as the head of the home," he said at an area conference in Taiwan in 1975. "Mothers, train up your children in righteousness; do not attempt to save the world and let your own family fall apart."

He then gave one sure help for families: "An evening at home once a week is good protection against the breakdown of the family. The family is the rock foundation, the cornerstone of civilizations. This nation and others will never rise above their homes. The church, the schools, and even nations, stand helpless before weakened and degraded homes."

How prophetic those remarks uttered a quarter century ago seem today. Have we, as parents, taken the time to train up our families in righteousness? Fathers need to perform that essential task today.