Elder Carlos A. Godoy
Elder Carlos A. Godoy discusses the importance of staying faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ for the sake of one’s posterity. He shares a personal experience of helping a member return to the Church and emphasizes the impact that individual decisions have on future generations.
Returning to the Covenant Path
Elder Godoy recounts the story of meeting a taxi driver named Omar, who had been inactive in the Church for many years. Omar’s decision to return to the Church was motivated by his desire for his children to have the blessings of the gospel.
“It is so sad when we come across inactive members or nonmembers of the Church who at one time had the gospel within their families and lost it because of their parents’ or grandparents’ decision to take a break from the Church. That decision could have an impact on their posterity forever!”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Malachi 4:6: “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 128:18: “Therefore, let the hearts of the fathers be turned to the children, and the children to the fathers.”
The Impact of Lukewarm Faith
Elder Godoy addresses the issue of members who are not fully faithful or committed to their covenants, highlighting the negative consequences of a lukewarm approach to discipleship.
“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.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Revelation 3:16: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 76:79: “These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.”
Calls to Action:
- “Now, if you have stepped off the path, may I invite you with all the hope in my heart to please come back.”
- “Please reconsider your course of action… Don’t be the weak link in this beautiful chain of faith you started, or you received, as a legacy. Be the strong one.”
- “You and generations yet unborn will be blessed by your actions now to return to the covenant path.”