June 13-15
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
A pioneer is described as “one who goes before, showing others the way to follow.” All of us benefit from the legacy of the pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley after trekking across the American West. They provided a legacy of faith, courage, and sacrifice for all members of the Church. This legacy helped to enable the restoration of the gospel to move forward.
Many members of the Church can trace their heritage back to these pioneer ancestors. But for some, their pioneer legacies began elsewhere, either with recent ancestors who joined the Church, or perhaps, with themselves as they became the first in their family to embrace the gospel. Our righteous pioneer ancestors, distant and close, have relied on the ultimate pioneer, our Savior Jesus Christ. As Thomas S. Monson said, “His mission, His ministry among men, His teachings of truth, His acts of mercy, His unwavering love for us prompts our gratitude and warms our hearts. Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, even the Son of God, was and is the ultimate pioneer, for He has gone before, showing all others the way to follow.”
As we identify legacies in our own lives and look toward the Savior’s legacy, we can better determine what we want our own legacy to be. We can reflect on how our personal attributes, decisions, and paths are showing others the way to follow.
Research legacies in your own family history. Find an ancestor, distant or close, whose legacy has helped you become the person you are today.
Who is an important legacy to you?
- How have this legacy’s decisions, sacrifices, and paths influenced your life?
- How did this legacy turn toward our Savior to help direct their decisions and paths?
- How can learning about this legacy help you be better prepared for the path ahead of you?
What will be your legacy?
- What pivotal choices and decisions are you making now that will influence the path you take and the legacy you leave?
- How can you more fully include the Savior in directing your path and determining the legacy you leave?
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are promised we don’t have to walk our paths alone. If we put our trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him; He will help us make decisions, He will comfort us during our sacrifices and trials, and he will direct our paths. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and He will help show you the way.
