"In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter."
Russell M. Nelson
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"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
In accordance with the laws of witnesses, and of opposition, I can see two ways our relationship to God is established. These two ways testify together that we are the children of God.
One line is directly to God through Jesus Christ, by the covenants each individual makes through the ordinances of the Gospel. We take upon us the name of Christ, and become His sons and daughters. He becomes our covenant Father by a personal relationship with Him.
Another line back to God goes through Adam, as our common earthly father. This line depends on welding links being established as each generation of the human family seeks to be tied together. This is accomplished through the sealing together of families according to the ordinances of the Melchizedek priesthood, available today in the Temples of God. (Doc. & Cov. 128; 132)
These two complimentary opposing witnesses are needed to certify our place in the family of God.
Baptism and sealing are the two ordinances whereby we establish these covenant connections with God and our families. In the sealing of a husband and wife, each spouse makes covenants with the other, and with God. Children born to these parents are automatically sealed to them. Later, sealing ordinances are performed which create links to parents and children who did not enjoy the privilege while living. This is done vicariously on behalf of the dead.
Baptism is administered by the authority of the Aaronic priesthood, and sealing is done by the Melchizedek Priesthood. Interestingly, these two "bookends" to covenant-making ordinances given in the flesh each invoke the Names of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
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Social networks are compelling to many people. We are social creatures, and take great pleasure in our connections among ourselves. What does God think about social networks? Does He have a pattern for establishing them?
Why do we create family trees?
Remember what the Prophets say about roots and branches, specifically in connection to covenants. Roots may be compared with ancestors, and branches may be considered posterity.
The great work of family history research and genealogical studies is constructing a great tree, eventually to include every person who ever lived.
This is the ultimate social network.
A simple way to get involved is to make an account, and begin discovering your ancestors:
We must strengthen roots (our connections to the past) and branches (our commitments to the future) to firmly establish covenant living among the children of God. We must be tied back to Him, individually and collectively.
See also:
Salvation and Exaltation, by Russell M. Nelson
The Sealing Power, by D. Todd Christofferson
Roots and Branches, by Quentin L. Cook