Podcast Summary: followHIM Favorites – "Choose the Right...Funeral" (August 4-10)

Podcast Information:

• Title: followHIM
• Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
• Episode: "Choose the Right...Funeral • followHIM Favorites • August 4-10 • Come Follow Me"
• Release Date: July 31, 2025
• Description: Hosted by Hank Smith and John Bytheway, followHIM interviews experts to enhance your study of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Come, Follow Me course, making it enjoyable, original, and educational for all ages.

Introduction

In this episode of followHIM Favorites, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into a profound story shared by Elder Quentin L. Cook, emphasizing the eternal significance of life choices. The discussion is centered around two contrasting funerals that left a lasting impact on Elder Cook, highlighting the differing legacies based on the individuals' priorities and values.

The Story of Rich and Faithful

Hank Smith introduces the episode by referencing a verse from sections 85, 86, and 87 of the Come, Follow Me curriculum:

"I want a record kept of all the consecrated people. All the consecrated people. I want you to write down all those things that transpire for them. Verse two, their manner of life, their faith and their works." (00:03)

This verse sets the stage for the story shared by Elder Cook about two men—Rich and Faithful—whose lives and funerals provided Elder Cook with pivotal insights.

Rich’s Life and Choices

Hank Smith narrates the life of Rich, a highly successful individual:

• Career Success: Rich graduated from Stanford Law School, rapidly ascending to become the president of a major U.S. corporation. His career was marked by significant material wealth and professional achievements.

• Family and Church Involvement: Despite his professional success, Rich's family and church involvement were lacking. He emphasized "resume virtues" over "character virtues," focusing on education and employment for his children. As a result, his sons pursued excellent careers but struggled with personal lives, leading to divorces due to marriages with non-members.

• Community Presence: Rich was involved in high-profile social and community activities but became less active in the church over time. His funeral reflected his career-centered life, with attendance primarily from professionals and dignitaries, and minimal emphasis on spiritual teachings.

"His life was based almost exclusively on resume virtues." (04:30)

Faithful’s Life and Choices

In contrast, Faithful led a life enriched by spiritual and familial commitments:

• Career: Faithful's career was modest, with small businesses that faced financial struggles. However, he found satisfaction and joy through meaningful work and personal interactions.

• Family and Church Involvement: Faithful and his wife were deeply active in the church. They prioritized living a Christlike life, which fostered strong relationships within their family and community. His emphasis on spiritual virtues provided a sense of purpose and eternal satisfaction.

• Legacy: Faithful’s funeral was a large, joyful gathering that prominently featured teachings on the Plan of Happiness and the centrality of Jesus Christ. The service highlighted his character, kindness, and faith, serving as an exemplary Latter Day Saint funeral.

"The Savior was at the center of the service." (06:10)

Impact on Elder Cook

Elder Quentin L. Cook shared how witnessing these two funerals at the age of 25 was a defining moment in his life:

"Choices have eternal significance. What was most important to me about the lives I just described is that I realized that the most significant choices can be made by everyone, regardless of their talents, abilities, opportunities, or economic circumstances." (06:45)

Elder Cook recognized that prioritizing the Savior, family, and church would lead to a fulfilling life. This realization guided his future decisions, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and personal virtues over material success.

Insights and Lessons

John Bytheway and Hank Smith reflect on the contrasting lives of Rich and Faithful, drawing key lessons:

• Resume Virtues vs. Character Virtues: The term "resume virtues" refers to societal metrics of success, such as career and wealth, while "character virtues" pertain to spiritual and personal integrity. The hosts highlight the importance of prioritizing character virtues to ensure lasting happiness and a meaningful legacy.

• Eternal Significance of Choices: Decisions made in life have lasting spiritual implications. Prioritizing spiritual commitments can lead to eternal rewards and a fulfilling legacy, regardless of worldly success or failures.

"Putting the Savior, my family, and the church first was essential. Doing so would result in the good life." (06:30)

• Influence Beyond Material Wealth: True influence stems from one's faith, actions, and relationships rather than material possessions. Faithful's life exemplified how living true to spiritual principles can positively impact one's community and family.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the stories of Rich and Faithful, underscoring the profound impact that prioritizing spiritual and familial commitments can have on one's life and legacy. Hank and John encourage listeners to evaluate their own life choices, emphasizing that true happiness and fulfillment come from aligning one's life with eternal principles.

"It's important that those are recorded because of those moments like Elder Cook had." (08:01)

The hosts invite listeners to continue exploring these themes in future episodes, promising more insightful stories and discussions to enhance their Come, Follow Me study.

Connect with followHIM:

• Show Notes: https://followhim.co
• YouTube: FollowHimOfficialChannel
• Instagram: instagram.com/followhimpodcast
• Facebook: facebook.com/followhimpodcast

Note: The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed represent the views of the guests and podcasters alone.