This blog is devoted to exploring, in both general and specific ways, what it means to “[s]eek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion” and what it means to be and become a Zion people. I am writing from the viewpoint of a believing Mormon Christian, looking through the lens of my own experience.
First a few scriptures to set the stage.
In a revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord delivered the following message to Oliver Cowdery in April 1829:
“Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion;
“Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation” (D&C 6:6-8).
In May 1829, one month later, the exact same revelation, word for word, was given to the Prophet's brother, Hyrum (see D&C 11:6-8). Around the same time, a similar directive, along with a list of prerequisites, was given to Joseph Knight and, significantly, to "all who have desires to bring forth and establish this work":
“Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my
commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.
“Behold, I speak unto you, and also to all those who have
desires to bring forth and establish this work;
“And no one can assist in this work except he shall be
humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in
all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care” (D&C 12:6-8).
In June 1829, a similar charge was given to David Whitmer, accompanied by a great promise:
“Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my
commandments in all things.
“And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you
shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:6-7).
As I share my thoughts and experiences on this subject, I do so to leave for my children and their children, and also for others, a witness of some of the enduring lessons I have learned along my way. I want my family and friends to know why I have devoted my life to seeking to establish Zion and why I encourage them to do the same.
I am a witness that all who join in this both lofty and also real world down-in-the-trenches undertaking will experience the blessings prophesied by Nephi about the people of our day:
“And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion
at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and
if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall
be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace,
yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be” (1 Nephi 13:37).
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"Come to Zion," by Elder Todd D. Christofferson:
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