In his talk “The First Generation” Elder Paul B Pieper speaks specifically to the people who are the first members of their family to join the church. He opens his talk speaking about the difficult choices that first generation members of the church faced when they decided to get baptized. He speaks of members whose family did not support their decision. He also speaks of the negative reaction many friends and families give when learning that they decided to join the church.
Elder Pieper goes on to say that currently first generation members make up more than fifty percent of church membership. It is important to realize the value that your contribution makes to your ward family. You are also the one that will make changes in your family when it comes to the gospel. You can do the work for the generations gone before, and pave the way for generations that will come after you.
Elder Pieper shares the story of one new member who made a decision to keep the Word of Wisdom the day after he was baptized. Many of his friends did not realize that he had been baptized, but he held fast even though they gave him a hard time. He credits that day to his staying faithful in the church. He now has hundreds of descendents that are active in the church. Elder Pieper says of this experience:
“Can you see now why the first generation is so important? Can you understand the position you occupy and the influence you can have for good? Please never underestimate who you are and the power that you have to affect others. Satan understands who you are and will do all possible to entice you to make wrong choices. At times, despite our best efforts, we all make mistakes. Fortunately, Heavenly Father has prepared a way for us to overcome them through repentance and reliance on the Atonement of His Son. Do not be discouraged if you make a mistake. Repenting and continuing to press forward are perhaps the most important patterns to develop in the first generation. Be patient and move forward in obedience.”
Elder Pieper then compares the pioneers to those first generation members today. You can make church history part of your legacy as you forge the way for your family. This is an excellent talk. It is very encouraging to new members. New members are a wonderful part of the church. I have always admired those who have had the courage to make the decision to change their lives in such a positive way.
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