The Father as an Example

My purpose as a father is not to simply be the disciplinarian, or the authority, or the power (as defined by the powerless), but to be the example of right behavior and morality within the family unit. As such, I demonstrate – first and above all – wisdom, then humility, then respect.

I cannot, as a father, tell my child to treat others as equals if I treat her as inferior. Doing so demonstrates an incongruence with the traits I claim to value – namely, Truth. When I demonstrate any incongruence with any trait I claim to value, then I teach my child that ideals and rules are subject to the ego, and therefore my ego holds precedence above all things. Once I have taken that position, then the one ideal that is paramount – the identity – becomes subject to the ego. Once the identity takes the backseat to the ego, then the persona becomes my master . . . and children do what they see.

Humility means that I am subject to my values. That which I value above all must take precedence over my ego, my persona, my spectacle, my work, my paycheck, and even my pride. That means that even if a job offers me an opportunity to secure my future at the cost of my values of Honor and Truth, then I must turn that down. Failure to do so will result in the shattering of the identity of my children when they find out what I became.

Tune in next week as we explore the effects a father's presence in society has on his children.