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The question may arise in one's mind, Who should I spend time in searching out my ancestors? How can they contribute anything to me? Why should I evidence more than passing interest in their welfare? We are largely a product of our progenitors, their strength sustains us, their weaknesses, if any, warn us of traits and tendencies to curb and avoid. Their love and devotion bring to fulfillment the Savior's great law of love with combined loved ones and families joyfully together in time and throughout eternity. We owe them much more than we can ever repay. A noble heritage has always been regarded as one of life's greatest treasures.
Much more must be done in our personal genealogical research. We have an obligation to do temple work for our kindred dead. This means that we will do the necessary research in order for the names of our progenitors to be sent to the temples. We have an individual responsibility to see that we are linked to our progenitors.
The work is progressing but I am afraid that genealogy remains just a word to be avoided or ignored by the average member of the Church. Those of you who have worked at your genealogies, who realize the importance of the work and have felt the excitement that comes from tying families together and learning of your noble heritage, need to share that excitement with others. Help them to see the joy and fulfillment you see in the work. We need to proselyte more of our members into this work. There is much to be done, as you all know, and there are many, many members who could do the work and who would enjoy doing the work if some of us -- all of you -- would just ignite that spark in them through your enthusiasm, example, and devotion.
Emphasize the necessity of genealogical work. Every region, stake, and ward leader should complete the four-generation program as stressed by the Church and encourage families and individuals to do likewise, and move on from there in their genealogical research.
Our responsibility to keep a journal and to write our own personal histories and those of our ancestors, particularly those who belong to the first four generations of our pedigree, has not changed.
More must be done to encourage our members to do their own genealogical research. Once they do their research, the spirit of Elijah will bless them so they, in turn, will inspire the Saints under their direction to do their own work.
Source: Benson, Ezra Taft, Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988. 161 - 162.