Technology and Family History

Each year, thousands of seminary students diligently memorize Nephi's words, "...I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the thing which he commandeth them," (1 Nephi 3:7). The principle in this testimony is bold and clear, instilling in us a faith that if we do what's right, things will work out. Time and time again the scriptures illustrate this profound principle in familiar stories such as Moses and the parting of the Red Sea, Nephi's own retrieval of the brass plates, even the early Saints building a temple in Nauvoo despite crippling poverty and persecution. Sometimes, however, in our zealousness to learn the principle and identify it in our scriptural records, we neglect to realize the same support that we receive in our own lives.

The great Plan of Happiness is eternal. It revolves around eternal principles and laws. Central to this plan is the family, which by nature is meant to be eternal, as well. Heavenly Father has given us direct and specific instructions on how to achieve this eternal family unit: through temple work and family history. As our access to temples has increased during the past twenty years, God has also improved our ability to research and record our family history. Now we are able to do more temple work than ever before. We are more able to accomplish His purpose of binding our families together forever. This is a modern day application of God's promise to us that He will provide a way for us to be obedient. Heavenly Father has inspired men to expand their minds and create technology that now allows a world-wide collaboration among humans searching for those who have gone before. As each new phase of technology increases the amount of family history work we can do, we become one step closer to fulfilling God's commandment to seal our families on earth so that they may be sealed in heaven. Just as God is the same yesterday, today and forever, His promises to us remain sure--with each commandment comes the ability to be obedient.