Likening one's personal and religious background and ancestry to the roots and branches of a tree, Elder Russell M. Nelson addressed conference Saturday afternoon.
In his address, Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of personal and religious roots and personal and religious branches. "Each of us has ancestral roots," he said. "Each man has received some genetic markers that are just like those of his father. Each woman has received some genetic markers that are just like those of her mother. In addition, each of us has received other genetic gifts that make us unique."
Continuing, Elder Nelson spoke of "spiritual roots that go way back. They shape our values, our beliefs and our faith. Spiritual roots guide our commitment to the ideals and teachings of the Lord."
Physical and spiritual roots merit gratitude, he said, encouraging parents "to share knowledge of their personal roots with their children and grandchildren. Learning their history together unifies a family."
Elder Nelson spoke of the "roots of our religion" and called the Articles of Faith "an excellent teaching resource." After listing several doctrines as taught in the Articles of Faith and other Church doctrines and teachings, he said: "As we teach of these doctrines, we realize how very firm is our foundation. As we apply these doctrines in our lives, the roots of our religion become part of our own spiritual strength."
Continuing, he referred to members of faithful families who "drift away because their own roots are weak. . . . Have they forgotten their pioneer heritage and their lineage as declared in patriarchal blessings? For a few fleeting favors now, would they forget and forfeit eternal life? Oblivious to the roots that have blessed them, they no longer enjoy the spiritual sparkle of saints engaged in the work of Almighty God."
Elder Nelson then spoke of personal branches that "bear the fruit of our loins," referring to children and grandchildren. "In much the same way, our religion is known by the fruit of its branches."
He spoke of a meeting with governmental officials in another land who were impressed with the Church and its efforts throughout the world. He told them: "You are attracted by various fruits of our faith. They are plentiful and powerful. But you cannot savor this fruit unless you know the tree that produced it. And you cannot understand the tree unless you comprehend its roots. With our religion, you cannot have the fruits without the roots."
Fruits of the gospel, he said include "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, (and) faith. . . . The fruits of the gospel are delicious to those who obey the Lord."
Elder Nelson summarized, "life's greatest blessings will come to us if our love of Jesus Christ is rooted deeply in our hearts."
Continuing, he said, "Divinity is rooted in each of us. . . . We are eternal beings. In premortal realms, we brethren were foreordained for our priesthood responsibilities. Before the foundation of the world, women were prepared that they may bear children and glorify God.
"We came to this mortal experience to acquire a body, to be tried and tested. We are to form families and be sealed in holy temples, with joy and loving relationships that endure eternally. To these everlasting truths, we are personally rooted."