Study Guide for "For the Sake of Your Posterity"

In this talk, Elder Carlos A. Godoy shares a personal experience of helping a former member of the Church return to activity. He uses this experience to discuss the importance of faithfulness and the potential impact of our decisions on future generations. Elder Godoy addresses both inactive members and those who may not be fully faithful to their covenants, emphasizing the eternal consequences and blessings that are at stake.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What prompted Omar to return to the Church?
What are the potential impacts of our faithfulness or lack thereof on our posterity?
What does it mean to be "valiant" in the testimony of Jesus?
How can "lukewarm" membership affect our families?
What does President Nelson invite those who have stepped off the path to do?

Topics

Returning to the Fold: Omar's Story

Elder Godoy shares the story of Omar, a taxi driver who had been inactive in the Church since he was 15. After a conversation with Elder Godoy, Omar returned to the Church and later baptized his wife and children. This story illustrates the power of personal invitation and concern in helping others return to the gospel.

I told him who I was and that I was in his taxi because the Lord was calling him back to His fold.

He said it was because he and his wife felt their children would be happier in life with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What led Omar to return to the Church?
What role did Elder Godoy play in Omar's return?
What impact did Omar's return have on his family?
How can you reach out to those who have fallen away from the Church?
What can Omar's story teach you about the importance of the gospel in family life?
Do you know someone who, like Omar, might benefit from a personal invitation to return to the Church?

The Impact of Our Decisions on Future Generations

Elder Godoy emphasizes the potential eternal impact of our decisions on our posterity. He warns that falling away from the gospel can deprive future generations of gospel blessings and protections, and can break a legacy of faith. However, he also reminds us that anything broken can be mended through Jesus Christ.

In both cases, generations ahead of them are impacted, and blessings and promises that were reserved for their posterities are at risk.

The decision of one has impacted a whole chain of descendants. A legacy of faith has been broken.

Anything broken can be mended through Jesus Christ.

What are the potential impacts of our faithfulness or lack thereof on our posterity?
How can our decisions affect future generations?
What does it mean that "anything broken can be mended through Jesus Christ"?
How do your decisions reflect your commitment to the gospel?
What can you do to strengthen your legacy of faith for future generations?
How can you help mend what has been broken in your own life or family?

The Danger of "Lukewarm" Membership

Elder Godoy warns against "lukewarm" membership, or not being fully faithful to our covenants. He explains that this type of membership can have a negative impact on our lives and the lives of our posterity, potentially leading to a loss of celestial glory.

Those with thoughts like these do not realize the negative impact this "lukewarm" type of membership will have on their lives and on the lives of their posterity.

The parents may remain active, but the risk of losing their children is high—in this life and in eternity.

What does it mean to be a "lukewarm" member of the Church?
What are the potential consequences of "lukewarm" membership?
How can "lukewarm" membership affect our families?
How can you be more "valiant" and less "lukewarm" in your testimony of Jesus?
What actions can you take to strengthen your commitment to the gospel?
How can you help your family members to be more fully engaged in the gospel?

Invitations to Return and Remain Faithful

Elder Godoy extends invitations to those who have stepped off the path to return, and to those who may not be fully faithful to their covenants to be more valiant. He emphasizes the blessings that can come to us and to generations yet unborn when we return to the covenant path.

Please come back. Whatever your concerns, whatever your challenges, there is a place for you in this, the Lord’s Church. You and generations yet unborn will be blessed by your actions now to return to the covenant path.

Shouldn’t we be more valiant and less lukewarm for our own sake and for the sake of our posterity?

What invitations does Elder Godoy extend to those who have stepped off the path and to those who may not be fully faithful to their covenants?
What blessings can come from returning to the covenant path or being more valiant in our testimonies?
What does it mean to be "valiant" in the testimony of Jesus?
How can you respond to Elder Godoy's invitations in your own life?
What steps can you take to return to the covenant path or be more valiant in your testimony?
How can you help others to respond to these invitations?