Come Follow Me and Family History: 1 Kings 12-13; 17-22

 "And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men... " 

1 Kings 12:13-14

One of the saddest moments in 1 Kings 12 isn't simply that Rehoboam made a poor decision. It's that he rejected the wisdom of those who had walked the path before him.

When Rehoboam became king, he sought counsel from two groups of people. The older men who had faithfully served his father, Solomon, urged him to lead with kindness and humility. The younger men who had grown up with him encouraged him to be harsh and demanding.

Rehoboam chose to ignore the wisdom of experience, and that decision divided the kingdom.

As I read these verses, I couldn't help but think about family history.

One of the greatest blessings of family history is that it gives us access to the wisdom of those who came before us. We may not always agree with every choice our ancestors made, but they learned lessons through years of joy, hardship, sacrifice, and faith. Their stories can become a source of counsel for our own lives if we are willing to listen.

I vividly remember standing in my Nan's kitchen, watching her wash the dishes. I asked her if she liked cleaning.

She smiled and replied, "No, but if you have to do something, you should do it well."

I don't think she realized she was giving me advice that day, but those simple words became one of the greatest life lessons she ever taught me.

Ever since then, I have tried to give my best effort in whatever I do. If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well. It was a simple conversation over a sink full of dishes, yet decades later, I still carry her wisdom with me.

Family history reminds us that the wisdom of those who came before us is one of the greatest inheritances we can receive. Sometimes that wisdom comes through extraordinary experiences. Other times, it comes from an ordinary conversation over a sink full of dishes.

As I reflect on the counsel I received from my Nan, I realize that some of the greatest blessings in my life have come because I listened to the wisdom and examples of those who came before me.

My parents' faithful choices continue to bless generations.

My mum's decision to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has blessed generations. Because of her choice, family members who came before us are having their temple work completed, and generations after her—including her children, grandchildren, and those yet to come—have the opportunity to grow up knowing the gospel.

My dad's decision to serve a mission, even when few people were encouraging him to go, has also had eternal consequences. His willingness to follow the Lord has shaped our family's story in ways he could never have imagined.

Family history reminds us that the choices of one generation often shape the experiences of the next. Faithful choices can become lasting blessings, while unwise choices may bring hardship. Both offer lessons that can strengthen our faith and guide our own decisions.

We are living the results of decisions our parents, grandparents, and ancestors made years ago. Likewise, the choices we make today may become the stories and blessings our children and grandchildren inherit tomorrow.

The widow of Zarephath understood this principle. Faced with what seemed like an impossible request, she chose to trust the counsel of the prophet Elijah. She gave the little she had, and the Lord provided for her family throughout the famine.

I often wonder if she realized that her simple act of faith would be remembered thousands of years later. Her story continues to strengthen generations because she chose to trust the Lord.

Like the widow of Zarephath, we may never fully understand how our small acts of faith will bless future generations. Yet when we choose to trust the Lord, He can use our ordinary decisions to accomplish extraordinary things.

Our stories may never be recorded in scripture, but the choices we make today can still become stories of faith that strengthen our families for generations to come.

ACTIVITY: Wisdom worth passing on!

One of the greatest blessings of family history is preserving the wisdom of those who came before us. Sometimes that wisdom comes through a formal conversation. Other times, it comes unexpectedly during an ordinary moment—like washing dishes with a grandmother.

Think of a parent, grandparent, or another trusted adult. Ask them to share one piece of advice they hope your family never forgets. Record their words on the printable, along with why they are meaningful to you and how you hope to pass that wisdom on to future generations.

Over time, you'll create a collection of wisdom that your own children and grandchildren can treasure.\

to download/print the activity page simply click here or on the image below