Lead, Build, Fight, and Nurture—The Divine Roles of Family Leadership

Discover how presiding, providing, protecting, and nurturing form the foundation for lasting fulfillment and eternal impact in your family and community.

Fulfillment in the Real World

Many men chase greatness in the wrong places. They fight battles on screens, build virtual empires, and dream of glory in worlds that disappear when the power turns off. True greatness happens in the real world—when you lead, build, fight, and nurture what truly matters: your family, your community, and your eternal destiny.

Chasing Shadows

The adversary offers counterfeit battles and empty victories to distract men and women from their divine roles. Video games, virtual worlds, and other escapes may feel exciting, but they rob individuals of their purpose. Maurice Harker, in his book Like Dragons Did They Fight, teaches principles often applied to overcoming sexual addiction. But these principles go far beyond that. They apply to being a warrior dad or mom, leading and engaging fully in life rather than living the “farmer life” or offering what he calls “farmer prayers”—passive, surface-level efforts.

Too many hope their “virtual warrior strength” will earn admiration, yet they neglect the real battles that matter. The Family: A Proclamation to the World teaches that men are to preside, provide, and protect, while women are to nurture. When these roles are neglected, homes, families, and souls suffer.

The hymn Have I Done Any Good? reminds us:

“Wake up, and do something more
Than dream of your mansions above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.”

The time to wake up and act is now.

Lead, Build, Fight, and Nurture—The Roles of Family Strength

God gave men and women clear roles to fulfill in His plan. These sacred stewardships require courage, effort, and trust in Christ.

• Preside: To preside means to lead with love and righteousness, following Christ’s example. It is guiding your family to Him through prayer, scripture study, and consistent spiritual leadership.

• Provide: Providing means more than temporal support. It is building a foundation of love, safety, and faith where your family can thrive.

• Protect: Protecting is standing guard against physical and spiritual harm. It means recognizing the adversary’s attacks—distraction, addiction, complacency—and shielding your family through intentional action.

• Nurture: Nurturing is about creating a sanctuary where love, faith, and service abound. Like ancient warriors who fought by day and returned home to their sacred sanctuary for balm and nourishment to repair wounds and prepare for another day’s battle, nurturing provides spiritual and emotional restoration. It includes teaching children to follow Christ, ministering to neighbors with compassion, and fostering an environment where relationships thrive.

This divine role is not always possible for everyone, but through the righteousness of one, many are blessed. By magnifying your role—whether presiding, providing, protecting, or nurturing—you contribute to the greater work of building Zion.

As Harker teaches, men and women are called to be warriors, not passive farmers. To emulate Christ requires self-mastery, magnifying your stewardships, and fulfilling the responsibilities outlined by President David O. McKay’s six questions the Lord will ask:

1. Your Relationship with Your Spouse: Have you been engaged in making them happy and meeting their needs?

2. Your Relationship with Your Children: Have you fostered personal connection with each child?

3. Your Talents: What have you done with the unique gifts you brought from the pre-mortal world?

4. Your Service: Have you magnified your assignments in serving others?

5. Your Work: Have you been honest in how you earn a living?

6. Your Contribution to the World: Have you lifted your community and left it better than you found it?

Are you prepared to give this report to the Lord in the flesh?

Turn to Him and Engage in His Work

If you are not prepared to give an account, now is the time to act. The Lord stands ready to empower you. He will strengthen you to take His yoke, magnify your stewardships, and engage in His business—for the salvation of your soul and those within your care.

The battles are real. The stakes are eternal. Choose to lead, build, fight, and nurture with purpose. Christ will guide you. His power will sustain you.

I’ll Walk with You

I’m a fellow traveler on the path of discipleship, striving daily to align my life with celestial principles. If you feel the call to magnify your stewardships, focus your heart on Christ, and discover joy through Christlike thinking, I invite you to walk this path with me.

Together, let’s grow in a Christ-centered community. Subscribe below to receive weekly inspiration, free Christ-centered tools, and timeless treasures to guide your journey in emulating Christ. Let’s uncover the joy, growth, and transformation that come from walking His way—united in purpose and discipleship.

This is part of The Journey to Emulating Christ series. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we explore how to refine your talents and magnify your unique gifts for God’s glory. Subscribe below for updates and Christ-centered insights delivered to your inbox.