I glance up at the clock and am stunned to find that almost two hours have passed. Where has the time gone? I have been so focused on translating genealogy records that the minutes have seemingly evaporated – but not into empty space. They have passed into consecrated time.
Consecrated time: a simple phrase with complex connotations. To “consecrate” means to make or declare sacred; to devote to a purpose with deep solemnity or dedication. (1)
Consecration and sacrifice are correlated principles, as stated by Elder Quentin L. Cook: “Sacrifice is the crowning test of the gospel. It means consecrating time, talents, energy, and earthly possessions to further the work of God.”(2)
As we seek and find our ancestors and ensure the completion of their ordinance work, we sacrifice our time and resources to bless those whose lives made ours possible. However, it is our attitude which determines if our time so spent is consecrated. Have we “declared” this work to be sacred? Are we engaged in it with “deep solemnity and dedication?”
It is our attitude that reveals whether we are engaged because we “have to,” because we “want to,” or best of all because we “love to.” (Consider Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s October 2007 General Conference address, “Good, Better, Best“) If we don’t consider this sacred work, we can’t count it as consecrated time.
Both our spiritual growth and quality of life are eminently affected by the consecrated time we claim. President Boyd K. Packer said,”
“Members of the Church cannot touch this work without becoming affected spiritually. Many of the little intrusions into our lives, the little difficulties and the petty problems that beset us, are put into proper perspective when we view the linking of the generations for the eternities … if you want the influence of dignity and wisdom and inspiration and spirituality to envelop your life, involve yourself in temple and genealogical work.”(3)
The ever-growing array of technological advances presents a myriad of opportunities to be engaged in family history right in our own homes, and thus, to claim even more blessings of consecrated time. The Church is a forerunner in advancing technology (see, for example, Gospel Library: New iPhone App from the LDS Church) and our leaders continuously counsel use of the new media to “expand your mind, increase your opportunities, and feed your soul.” (4)
As I weigh the options and opportunities that stretch before me each day, I sometimes reflect on these lines from an early LDS Church video, Man’s Search for Happiness:
“Life offers you two precious gifts – one is time, the other freedom of choice, the freedom to buy with your time what you will. You are free to exchange your allotment of time for thrills … base desires … greed … vanity … material things. Every day, every hour, every minute of your span of mortal years must be accounted for … and your eternal reward will be according to your choosing.” (5)
Today, I may choose to respond to an email from someone who has found our family history website and inquired about a particular ancestor. Or write a letter to the Greek Archives in Sparta. Or extract several pages of Czech birth records. Or index an early census record at FamilySearch.org. Perhaps I will record a special moment in a grandchild’s journal (I keep 15 – one for each), or in mine. Each of these activities, and many others, qualifies as consecrated time because it is dedicated to furthering the work of God.
Some days there isn’t an extra minute for another activity. But perhaps those are the exact days to rethink how we spend the minutes that are allotted to us. Elder Richard G. Scott asked:
Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things that don’t really matter in your life. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. (6)
We have a sacred work to do. The choice is ours – will it be done? And if so, in earthly time or consecrated time?
Family history is a journey that takes us to places near and far, and connects us to individuals who share our genes and our dreams. How has your heart been turned? What words of encouragement or stories of inspiration can you share with our readers? Please consider sharing your comments and stories by submitting them to: [email protected].
1. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: www.merriam-webster.com
2. Quentin L.
Cook, “Are You a Saint?” Ensign, November 2003.
3. Boyd K. Packer, The Holy Temple, p. 225.
4. Error! Main Document Only.M. Russell Ballard, “Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet,” Ensign, July 2008, 60.
5. Man’s Search for Happiness, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
6. Error! Main Document Only.Richard G. Scott, “Redemption: The Harvest of Love,” Ensign, Nov. 1990, 5
