True to the Faith That Our Parents Have Cherished
Hans T. Boom, of the Seventy
Elder Boom encourages drawing strength from the faith and testimonies of preceding generations.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Embrace Faith Through Trials
Elder Boom shares stories of individuals who faced significant trials yet remained steadfast in their faith. These narratives illustrate how enduring hardships can strengthen one’s faith and testimony.
Just carry on—or freely translated in my native Dutch language, Gewoon doorgaan—is also my mom and dad’s lifelong slogan.
How did two people who experienced so many trials in their younger years become the very best parents I could ever wish for? The answer is simple: they fully embraced the gospel and live by their covenants to this very day!Key Points:
- Faith can be strengthened through enduring trials.
- Embracing the gospel and living by covenants provides strength.
- Personal stories of faith can inspire future generations.
- Reflect on a time when you faced a significant trial. How did your faith help you through it?
- Think about someone in your family who has shown great faith during difficult times. What lessons have you learned from their example?
- Consider a moment when you had to "carry on" despite challenges. How did that experience shape your testimony?
Cherish and Pass On the Legacy of Faith
Elder Boom emphasizes the importance of valuing the faith and testimonies of previous generations. He urges us to learn from their experiences and to ensure that we pass on a legacy of faith to those who follow.
Their faith and testimonies are a driving strength for the generations that have come after them.
To those of the rising generation wherever you are and in whatever situation you may find yourself, please learn and receive strength from the faith and testimonies of those who came before you.Key Points:
- The faith of past generations can be a source of strength.
- We have a responsibility to pass on stories of faith and commitment.
- Sacrifices are necessary to gain and grow a testimony.
- Who in your life has passed on a legacy of faith to you? How has that impacted your spiritual journey?
- What stories of faith from your family history inspire you the most?
- How can you ensure that your own faith journey becomes a legacy for future generations?
Serve and Know the Savior
Elder Boom highlights the importance of missionary service as a means of showing love for the Savior and gaining a deeper understanding of Him. He encourages young people to consider serving missions as a way to contribute to the work of bringing souls to Christ.
You could be called as a service or a teaching missionary. Both types of missionaries contribute to the same goal of bringing souls to Christ, each in their own unique and powerful way.
Remember, "for how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"Key Points:
- Missionary service is a powerful opportunity to serve the Lord.
- Serving others helps us to know the Savior better.
- Both service and teaching missions are valuable in the work of salvation.
- Have you ever had a missionary experience that deepened your relationship with the Savior? What was it like?
- Consider how serving others has helped you feel closer to Christ.
- If you've served a mission, what lessons did you learn that could help others considering this path?
Strengthen Your Testimony Through Sacrifice
Elder Boom teaches that sacrifice is essential for spiritual growth and receiving heavenly blessings. He shares examples of how sacrifices made by his family members have strengthened their faith and testimonies.
Thinking about a sacrifice that will truly bless your life, please consider and pray about the invitation of our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.
Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.Key Points:
- Sacrifice is necessary to grow a testimony and receive blessings.
- Personal sacrifices can lead to spiritual strength and deeper faith.
- President Nelson’s invitation to serve missions is an example of a sacrifice that can bless lives.
- What sacrifices have you made for your faith, and how have they strengthened your testimony?
- Reflect on a time when you witnessed someone else make a significant sacrifice for the gospel. How did it impact you?
- Consider what sacrifices you might be willing to make to deepen your relationship with the Savior.
Be True to the Faith
Elder Boom calls upon members, especially the rising generation, to remain true to the faith cherished by their parents. He emphasizes the importance of standing firm in defending truth and right, drawing strength from the examples of those who have gone before.
True to the faith that our parents have cherished, true to truth for which martyrs have perished, to God’s command, soul, heart, and hand, faithful and true we will ever stand.
Shall the youth of Zion falter in defending truth and right? While the enemy assaileth, shall we shrink or shun the fight? No!Key Points:
- Remaining true to the faith is crucial in defending truth and righteousness.
- The examples set by previous generations can guide us in our own spiritual journeys.
- Standing firm in faith requires commitment and courage.
- When have you had to stand firm in your faith despite opposition or difficulty?
- How does the faith of your parents or ancestors inspire you to be true to your beliefs?
- What does being "true to the faith" mean to you personally, and how do you strive to live it?
