It is vital that Church members leave a righteous legacy of faith for their posterity, declared Elder Harold G. Hillam of the Seventy.
Speaking Saturday afternoon, Elder Hillam recalled listening to a talk given by a young mother in a stake conference years ago. The young woman told the story of her great-grandfather — a man who "left Church one Sunday with his family and they never returned."
Family history research revealed that the great-grandfather had more than 1,000 descendants. Only one — the young mother — was active in the Church today. Elder Hillam said the number impacted by the great-grandfather's decision to leave Church activity likely stretched beyond his sizable posterity.
"The spiritual influence that family might have had on their neighbors and friends did not happen," he said. "None of (the great-grandfather's) sons, nor any of his daughters, served as missionaries, and those they would have touched with their testimonies were not baptized, and those who were not baptized did not go on missions. Yes, there are probably many thousands who are not in the Church today, and not in this meeting today, because of that great-grandfather's decision."
The opportunities of that great-grandfather's tragic past is lost, Elder Hillam said. But the opportunities of the present and future remain. "I would say to those who find themselves in the same position as the great-grandfather, would you consider what you might be doing to your family, and to all those who come after you? Would you ponder the effects of your thoughts and your actions?"
For those who have concerns about Church doctrine, follow President Gordon B. Hinckley's counsel to put such doctrine to the test by living gospel principles and praying for assurance, suggested Elder Hillam.
"If you feel that you have been wronged, be ready to forgive," he added. "If there is, for some reason, an unpleasant memory, let it go. Where necessary, talk to your bishop, talk with your stake president."
Elder Hillam also encouraged those who may be children of future errant great-grandfathers to stand faithful and serve as examples. "So many times, it is the righteous children who are able to steady the boat while sailing in turbulent waters."
Bishops and stake presidents can also play pivotal roles by working closely with inactive members and blessing their lives, Elder Hillam said.
"I pray we all might consider what we can do individually to assist those who will be the future great-grandparents, whether it is a little child, a teenager, or an adult, so that each will leave a righteous legacy of those who know and love the Lord."