Our Role in Zion?

The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote: “The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live."

Zion has been the focus of the prophets and saints from the beginning of time. As we learn from reading the Docterine and Covenants, it is also a focus for us in our day. The word Zion is used in many different ways, referring to the Land of Zion, the people of Zion, the Stakes of Zion and the physical location of Zion. But the importance of Zion in our daily lives can be wrapped up into one phrase, "establishing the cause of Zion".

How can we help establish the cause of Zion? We must understand the different uses of the word and what our individual role is in establishing the cause of Zion. Not only must each individual understand what his or her role is, we must also understand what our collective roles might be as families, quorums, wards, or stakes, in working toward establishing Zion according to our own stewardships.

Establishing Zion: (What we must know)
-What is the Land of Zion
-What are the Stakes of Zion
-What does it mean to be a Zion people
-What is our role in establishing the cause of Zion?

Becoming A Zion People: One Heart & One Mind- We must be unified in desire and action to th end of fulfilling the will of God (unify families and church). We must understand Heavenly Fathers expectations for us as Priesthood holders

Priesthood Duties: (Love God, Love our Neighbor)
Personal worthiness- Strengthen testimonies and love for Savior-Qualify for temple, study scriptures & pray daily
Family Duties- provide for, nurture, teach, study scriptures & pray (family & spouse) , FHE, dates with wife, Gospel Sharing home, blessings and father interviews with children, Temple attendance
Church Duties- Magnify callings and assignments (H.T.), service, preach the gospel, attend all meetings faithfully, sustain leaders, Ward Mission Plan, Family History, Study Preach my Gospel
Miscellaneous Duties- Food Storage, Plant garden, get out of debt, physical well-being

How do we do it all?
Evaluate current attitudes and activities
Prioritize-
Plan-
Schedule-
Consolidate Activities- Multi Task
*Pray for Guidance
*Stay Positive
Focus on improving in 1-2 areas at a time and then move on to others

Do Not Run Faster than we are Able- D&C, BofM D&C 10-4, Mosiah 4:27
The emphasis is on diligence and direction rather than on speed.

Overzealous effort without wisdom and patience leads to errors.

Pitfalls in establishing Zion- Lessons of 4th Nephi
-Beware of the adversary
-Deception
-Beware of Pride
-Beware of discouragement

Be happy- Be confident- Be optimistic- Through Him, all can be accomplished.