Traditions are a part of culture and have power to influence members of the Church "toward the things of the Spirit," or pose "a significant danger [that] can cause us to forget our heavenly heritage," said Elder Donald L. Hallstrom Saturday afternoon.
In his first address since being called to the First Quorum of the Seventy during the April 2000 general conference, Elder Hallstrom affirmed the role of righteous traditions by saying, "Uplifting traditions play a significant role in leading us toward the things of the Spirit.
"In the Church, powerful traditions remind us of the strength and sacrifice of our ancestors and inspire our efforts," he said. "Among them are industry, frugality and complete devotion to a righteous cause.
"To achieve eternal goals, we must reconcile our earthly culture with the doctrine of the everlasting gospel," he said. "This process involves embracing all that is spiritually elevating in our family and societal traditions, and discarding that which is a barrier to our eternal view and achievement."
The power of tradition, however, poses a significant danger, he said. "Unwanted traditions are those which lead us away from performing holy ordinances and keeping sacred covenants.
"Of all the traditions we should cultivate within ourselves and our families, a 'tradition of righteousness' should be preeminent. Hallmarks of this tradition are an unwavering love for God and His Only Begotten Son, respect for prophets and priesthood power, a constant seeking of the Holy Spirit, and the discipline of discipleship which transforms believing into doing. A tradition of righteousness sets a pattern for living which draws children closer to parents, and both closer to God, and elevates obedience from a burden to a blessing.
"As the supernal nature of our life begins to be understood and experienced, we desire nothing temporal to impede our celestial journey."