Thoughts on Zion

God is Waiting For Us to Build Zion

There are three common objections to the idea that we can build Zion. The following are quotes from a talk given by President Brigham Young on February 23, 1862 which I believe refute these objections: 1. Jesus must build Zion, we can’t. “We are not going to wait for angels, or for Enoch and his company to come and build up Zion, but we are going to build it.”

“But while contemplating the future greatness of Zion, do we realize that we are the pioneers of that future greatness and glory? Do we realize that if we enjoy a Zion in time or in eternity, we must make it for ourselves? That all who have a Zion in the eternities of the gods organized, framed, consolidated, and perfected it themselves, and consequently are entitled to enjoy it.

“The Lord has done his share of the work; he has surrounded us with… everything with which to build up, beautify and glorify the Zion of the last days, and it is our business to mold these elements to our wants and necessities, according to the knowledge we now have and the wisdom we can obtain from the Heavens through our faithfulness. In this way will the Lord bring again Zion upon the earth, and in no other.” 2. We’re waiting for God. “There is not one thing wanting in all the works of God’s hands to make a Zion upon the earth when the people conclude to make it. We can make a Zion of God on earth at our pleasure, upon the same principle that we can raise a field of wheat, or build [a home] and inhabit [it].

“It is for us, as children of our heavenly Father, to arise and assume the right the law of the Holy Priesthood gives us, and organize the elements for a Zion, and bring it forth, no matter where we are.”

3. And the unspoken objection, “But Babylon is so much fun!”

“…I am anxious that we should commence the growth of Zion in ourselves, and when we do this, we shall cease to willingly hold fellowship with that which is evil. But so long as we willingly hold fellowship with that which tends to death and destruction [ie. Babylon’s vices], we cannot progress as we should in the work of perfection in ourselves, nor in building up and beautifying Zion.

Discuss this article at BuildingZion. org. © 2014 by Jesse Fisher.