The following comments are from Carlfred Broderick, professor of sociology, University of Southern California. (Ensign Magazine, August 1986)
“My experience has convinced me that God actively intervenes in some destructive lineages, assigning a valiant spirit to break the chain of destructiveness in such families.
Although these children may suffer innocently as victims of violence, neglect and exploitation, through the grace of God some find the strength to metabolize the poison within themselves, refusing to pass it on to future generations.
Before them there were generations of destructive pain; after them the river flows clear and pure. Their children and children’s children will call them blessed.
In suffering, evidently that others may not suffer, such persons in some degree, become as “ Saviours on Mount Zion” by helping to bring salvation to their lineage.”
To these words, I would like to add my own….
My experience has taught me that some lineages, although not destructive or violent, nonetheless suffer through the smothering anguish of ignorance in silent hopelessness. Into these families, God also assigns valiant spirits to break the chain of spiritual darkness.
Many of such families are filled with warm, hospitable and good people, who are true to their family duties and responsibilities. However, many yet cling to the old superstitions, false traditions and religious beliefs that promise, but cannot deliver, salvation. To those valiant spirits so assigned, I see their mission as including a three-fold responsibility.
1 / To be obedient to keep and observe the laws and commandments of the gospel so that their lives may be a testimony to their words. Then it can be said that before them there was confusion, fear and unbelief. After them came waters that were clear, brimming with joy, peace, hope and assurance.
2/ Follow the commitment to find and identify those who are in such lineages so that the saving ordinances required for their salvation may be performed on their behalf.
3/ There will be the great missionary work required to locate and call these family members, now in the spirit world, whose work has been done, to arise from their sleep and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ.
These good people carried and passed on to us the seed of life so that we might have mortal life. This great gift that we now live, did not come free. Many paid a heavy price. This is especially true of the young fathers who grew old far too soon, toiling at back-breaking and thankless jobs for little more than bread to eat and an unreliable roof to put over their heads. Likewise, their young wives who died giving birth to their children so that the seed of life, which we now carry, could be passed on.
How can such gifts and sacrifices ever be re-paid? The answer, of course, is by giving to them the truth, knowledge and ordinances by which they may obtain eternal life through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
One by one, Christ saves each of us. One ancestor at a time we, in some small degree, perform the role of “Saviour on Mount Zion” for our lineage, similarly to how Christ performed it for us all.
If we fulfill this assignment, not only will our children and our children’s children call us blessed, but so will our fathers and our father’s fathers before them.
– Douglas T Garrett