Talk Preparation Guide for "For the Sake of Your Posterity"

In this talk, Elder Carlos A. Godoy shares a personal experience about a taxi driver named Omar, who had fallen away from the Church but returned for the sake of his children. Elder Godoy discusses the impact of our faithfulness (or lack thereof) on our posterity and invites us to be valiant in our testimony of Jesus Christ for our own sake and for the sake of our posterity.

Topics

Understanding the Impact of Inactivity on Posterity

Elder Godoy discusses the negative consequences of falling away from the Church, not only for the individual but also for their posterity. He emphasizes the loss of protection, blessings, and promises of an eternal family.

That decision could have an impact on their posterity forever!

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

You and generations yet unborn will be blessed by your actions now to return to the covenant path.

Key Points:

Decisions to leave the Church can impact generations.
The decision of one person can break a legacy of faith.
Returning to the Church can bless generations yet unborn.

Experiences:

Have you or someone you know returned to the Church after a period of inactivity? What was the impact on the family?
How have decisions about Church activity influenced your family across generations?
How can you personally strengthen your commitment to the Church for the sake of your posterity?

Exploring the Consequences of Lukewarm Faithfulness

Elder Godoy warns against the dangers of lukewarm faithfulness, which can negatively impact our lives and the lives of our posterity. He encourages us to be valiant in our testimony of Jesus Christ.

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.

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

The decision to ‘walk no more’ with Church members and the Lord’s chosen leaders will have a long-term impact that cannot always be seen right now.

Key Points:

Lukewarm faithfulness can have a negative impact on our lives and posterity.
We should strive to be more valiant in our testimony of Jesus Christ.
Decisions to "walk no more" with Church members and leaders can have a long-term impact.

Experiences:

What does it mean to you to be "valiant" in your testimony of Jesus Christ?
Have you ever experienced a period of lukewarm faithfulness? How did it affect you and your family?
How can you strengthen your commitment to the Church and its leaders?

Invitation to Return and Be Valiant

Elder Godoy extends an invitation to those who have fallen away or are not being as faithful as they should be. He encourages them to consider the eternal consequences of their actions and to return and be valiant for the sake of their posterity.

From the bottom of my heart, I invite you to think about it, to look ahead and evaluate “where this will lead,” and, if necessary, to be valiant enough to reshape your path for the sake of your posterity.

Now, if you have stepped off the path, may I invite you with all the hope in my heart to please come back.

You know there is a plan for us in this life. You know that families can be eternal. Why put yours at risk?

Key Points:

Elder Godoy invites us to return to the Church and be more faithful.
We should consider where our current path will lead us and our posterity.
We should be valiant enough to reshape our path for the sake of our posterity.

Experiences:

What steps can you take to be more valiant in your testimony of Jesus Christ?
How can you help someone who has fallen away from the Church to return?
How does the knowledge that families can be eternal influence your decisions and actions?