Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences (with video)

I wanted to take a moment to share some things the Apostles have said about engaging in the work of Salvation with Temple and Family History work.  Please don't tune out.  I promise that this will be worth the time to read, and that it can change your life as you both read this and watch the video at the bottom.

First, though this article doesn't specifically mention this, there is always more work to be done with your ancestors, and it's easier than it has ever been before.  If you can order something online, you can do Family History work.  The tools are that good.  I testify of that truth as well.  Now to the talks.

Some people will remember Elder Bednar's talk to the youth relating the following "“It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies...Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation” (“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” October 2011 General Conference)

Think of that a bit, whether you are young or old. Could it be that the technology we have today was specifically inspired by the Lord to help advance his work on the earth?

A year after Elder Bednar's talk, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also said in regards to participating in family history and temple work: “I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life” (“The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 94).

In addition, Elder Scott and Elder Bednar have promised the following blessings as we will do Family History work, and do the work of our ancestors in the temple:

1.  Your conversion to the Savior will become deeper.
2.  You will receive light and knowledge through the Holy Ghost.
3.  Your testimony will be strengthened.
4.  Your patriarchal blessing will become more meaningful.
5.  Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will grow.
6.  You will have greater opportunities to serve.
7.  Your service in the temple will become more sacred.

I wanted to close with a quote from Elder Scott's talk. It is an invitation to engage in Family History Work, it lets you know that you don't need to be a genealogist anymore, and gives more promises. 

"Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but you feel that you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those beyond the veil who can’t help themselves. Check around. There will be someone in your area who can help you have success.

This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer and faith, determination and diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way" (Richard G. Scott, “The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” October 2012 General Conference).

I echo what Elder Scott and Bednar have said.  I know that our lives will change for the better as we engage in Family History work.  I have drawn closer to the Lord, closer to my ancestors, and I have a great love for them. 

I want to do their work, so that when I leave this life, I can return to them, and state as Theodin in Lord of the Rings did, "In whose mighty company, I shall not now be ashamed." 

And that is the greatest blessing.  That we will be able to rejoice for eternity because we have made the sacrifice of time so we could save our ancestors and help them return to the presence of the Lord.  That work we do for them lasts for eternity. 

Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.  You can also view other posts on this blog for how to use the App to get started, as well as another post with a more comprehensive list of of blessings that can come from Temple and Family History Work.  Below is a one minute short video with clips from Elder Scott's talk.
 
Picture is the Ogden Utah Temple, courtesy of the Media Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.