Heaven + Earth = Zion

 Believing in Zion as a concept is much easier than believing in Zion as a reality that will actually come to pass on this earth. The Zion concept is beautiful and resonates in our hearts. It's the ideal, utopia, paradise on earth. It's a city set on a hill that is a light unto the world. But how do you get there? Bringing that reality to pass requires the coming together of heaven and earth and anything that involves things here on earth is necessarily messy, confusing, and incredibly challenging.

This morning I read T&C section 26 (LDS D&C 42) and was surprised at the practical counsel that was offered to the saints in their attempt to establish a New Jerusalem here on earth. I'd like to highlight a few things that stood out to me in my study.

In verse 2, several missionaries were commanded to go forth "in the power of my spirit, preaching my gospel two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the voice of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God." It's interesting that these early missionaries were compared unto angels of God. We tend to think of angels only as those of the heavenly variety, but angels can be mortal. (The word 'angel' is derived from a Greek word that means 'messenger.') Was King Benjamin an angel when he gave his message? He said, "And now I have spoken the words which the Lord God hath commanded me" (Mosiah 1:18). Since it was not his message, but the Lord's message, wasn't he a messenger of God, essentially an angel? The Lord wanted these missionaries to act as angels as well. And maybe there are times when we are to act as angels. If that is to happen, it would necessitate us receiving a message from God, that is purely His, and then delivering it to others.

In verse 5, we learn what elders, priests and teachers were to teach, and it is simple - "the scriptures which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fullness of the gospel." And they were instructed how to teach: "And you shall be directed by the spirit, which shall be given you by the prayer of faith, and if you receive not the spirit, you shall not teach." 

In verse 6, the Lord references several of the 10 commandments, then instructs the saints to keep them and to cast out those who disobey and refuse to repent. I struggle with this verse, not because I disagree with any of it, but because I don't have a good example of what this looks like. Who determines a man's sin? Who determines if someone is repentant? What does it look like to cast out? I think if you are trying to prepare for Zion, you are dealing with mortals who will sin. So humble, repentant souls would be essential, otherwise things could become corrupted very quickly. But what are you casting them out of? Your worship meetings? Your communities? Or is it just that they cannot come to Zion. They cannot dwell there with a proud and unrepentant attitude. I'm not sure how this works, so in the meantime I can use this verse to examine my own heart and remember Christ's words at the end of the verse: "If you love me, you shall serve me and keep all my commandments."

When I read about the law of consecration in the past, I felt superior to those who failed to live the law according to the Lord's expectations. How selfish they were! How disobedient and petty! Now I read verse 7 and put myself in their shoes and feel very differently. Imagine receiving the command yourself:

"And behold, you shall consecrate all your properties, that which you have, unto me, with a covenant and deed which cannot be broken, and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and two of the elders, such as he shall appoint and set apart for that purpose. And it shall come to pass that the bishop of my church, after that he has received the properties of my church that it cannot be taken from the church, he shall appoint every man a steward over his own property, or that which he has received, inasmuch as it shall be sufficient for himself and family." 

As long as this is hypothetical, it's easy. Of course, we would give it all away. Of course, we don't prize our worldly possessions over Zion. Of course, we would be quick to obey and not even think about it twice. That's what we think, but I have to ask... Really? Would you really?

And what about this verse: "And again, you shall not be proud in your heart. Let all your garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of your own hands, and let all things be done in cleanliness before me" (vs 10). How do you feel about wearing "plain" clothing? And making your own clothing? That's weird, right? Or is it? Are they on to something? Does God care about what we wear? 

Also in verse 10, this important sentence: "You shall not be idle, for he that is idle shall not eat the bread, nor wear the garment of the laborer." The more I think about Zion, the more I realize how absolutely essential this principle is. I grew up with the idea that 'being nice' is very important. Imagine living in a self-contained community where some able-bodied individuals did very little to contribute to the health and well-being of the community. What would that idleness do to a community where you were relying on one another? Would it be 'nice' to feed everyone regardless of what they do? What would that inspire others to do? How would that affect motivation? 

Here's another interesting, practical verse: "You shall stand in the place of your stewardship. You shall not take your brother's garment, you shall pay for that which you shall receive of your brother." So, even though we have this consecration principle, you don't just take things. If your brother has something you want, you pay for it. 

And how were they to govern themselves: "You shall take the things which you have received [the scriptures], which you know to have been my law, to be my law to govern my church. And he that does according to these thing shall be saved, and he that does them not shall be damned, if he continue." 

I love this verse too! "If you shall ask, you shall receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that you may know the mysteries and the peacable things of the Kingdom, that which brings joy, that which brings life eternal." Isn't that what we all want? Knowledge from God, the peaceable things of the kingdom, joy, and eternal life. 

In verse 20, we learn more practical matters: "You shall contract no debts with [the world]." 
Last one: "And every family shall have places that they may live by themselves, and every church shall be organized in as close bodies as they can be, in consequence of the enemy." (vs. 21)

Life and Blessings

One of Donald Trump's last acts as President of the United States was to write the following Proclamation on National Sanctity of Human Life:

"Every human life is a gift to the world.  Whether born or unborn, young or old, healthy or sick, every person is made in the holy image of God.  The Almighty Creator gives unique talents, beautiful dreams, and a great purpose to every person.  On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we celebrate the wonder of human existence and renew our resolve to build a culture of life where every person of every age is protected, valued, and cherished.

This month, we mark nearly 50 years since the United States Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision.  This constitutionally flawed ruling overturned State laws that banned abortion, and has resulted in the loss of more than 50 million innocent lives.  But strong mothers, courageous students, and incredible community members and people of faith are leading a powerful movement to awaken America’s conscience and restore the belief that every life is worthy of respect, protection, and care.  Because of the devotion of countless pro-life pioneers, the call for every person to recognize the sanctity of life is resounding more loudly in America than ever before.  Over the last decade, the rate of abortions has steadily decreased, and today, more than three out of every four Americans support restrictions on abortion.

Since my first day in office, I have taken historic action to protect innocent lives at home and abroad.  I reinstituted and strengthened President Ronald Reagan’s Mexico City Policy, issued a landmark pro-life rule to govern the use of Title Ten taxpayer funding, and took action to protect the conscience rights of doctors, nurses, and organizations like the Little Sisters of the Poor.  My Administration has protected the vital role of faith-based adoption.  At the United Nations, I made clear that global bureaucrats have no business attacking the sovereignty of nations that protect innocent life.  Just a few months ago, our Nation also joined 32 other countries in signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which bolsters global efforts to provide better healthcare to women, protect all human life, and strengthen families.

As a Nation, restoring a culture of respect for the sacredness of life is fundamental to solving our country’s most pressing problems.  When each person is treated as a beloved child of God, individuals can reach their full potential, communities will flourish, and America will be a place of even greater hope and freedom.  That is why it was my profound privilege to be the first President in history to attend the March for Life, and it is what motives my actions to improve our Nation’s adoption and foster care system, secure more funding for Down syndrome research, and expand health services for single mothers.  Over the past 4 years, I have appointed more than 200 Federal judges who apply the Constitution as written, including three Supreme Court Justices — Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.  I also increased the child tax credit, so that mothers are financially supported as they take on the noble task of raising strong and healthy children.  And, recently, I signed an Executive Order on Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant Children, which defends the truth that every newborn baby has the same rights as all other individuals to receive life-saving care.

The United States is a shining example of human rights for the world.  However, some in Washington are fighting to keep the United States among a small handful of nations — including North Korea and China — that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks.  I join with countless others who believe this is morally and fundamentally wrong, and today, I renew my call on the Congress to pass legislation prohibiting late-term abortion.

Since the beginning, my Administration has been dedicated to lifting up every American, and that starts with protecting the rights of the most vulnerable in our society — the unborn.  On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we promise to continue speaking out for those who have no voice.  We vow to celebrate and support every heroic mother who chooses life.  And we resolve to defend the lives of every innocent and unborn child, each of whom can bring unbelievable love, joy, beauty, and grace into our Nation and the entire world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 22, 2021, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day.  Today, I call on the Congress to join me in protecting and defending the dignity of every human life, including those not yet born.  I call on the American people to continue to care for women in unexpected pregnancies and to support adoption and foster care in a more meaningful way, so every child can have a loving home.  And finally, I ask every citizen of this great Nation to listen to the sound of silence caused by a generation lost to us, and then to raise their voices for all affected by abortion, both seen and unseen.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Regardless of whether or not you have disdain or admiration for our former president, I find it remarkable that he would write this proclamation. A couple of days later, on the first day of President Biden's administration, it was removed, and then later replaced with the following:

Today marks the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade.  

In the past four years, reproductive health, including the right to choose, has been under relentless and extreme attack.  We are deeply committed to making sure everyone has access to care – including reproductive health care – regardless of income, race, zip code, health insurance status, or immigration status. 

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to codifying Roe v. Wade and appointing judges that respect foundational precedents like Roe.  We are also committed to ensuring that we work to eliminate maternal and infant health disparities, increase access to contraception, and support families economically so that all parents can raise their families with dignity.  This commitment extends to our critical work on health outcomes around the world. 

As the Biden-Harris Administration begins in this critical moment, now is the time to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all individuals have access to the health care they need.

Honestly, this makes my heart hurt. Until the last year, I never really thought much about abortion. I think someone had told me when I was a teen or young adult that Roe v. Wade made abortion a permanent part of our country so there was no point in trying to fight or debate the issue. I accepted that and moved on.

I know speaking out on abortion is really unpopular. I don’t know what people believe about life and where we come from before this life. But I believe that life is sacred and special and miraculous. Can you imagine condoning the killing of a 20-week old baby that had been born? Then how can we imagine condoning the killing of a 20-week-old baby that is unborn?  

This year we have faced Coronavirus. There have been many deaths in the US and across the nation from this virus. One of our neighbors died. It’s hard to fathom 100,000 deaths or 400,000 deaths or even get a sense of how many people are born or die every day. I think that’s one of the things that woke me up this year. I started going to worldometers.info quite often. When I saw the abortion numbers I couldn’t quite believe my eyes. For instance, right now (as of January 24, 2021) there have been over 2 million abortions carried out in the world just this year. I don’t have the numbers from 2020, but in 2017 there were over 800,000 abortions in the US alone. 

What if God viewed each of those lives as sacred? What if God intended for each of those children to be born? What if they had something to teach their parents or their siblings? What if each person who comes into this world has an impact on the world? Are we in this country serving God when we allow and even celebrate destroying so much life?

There is a promise and a warning in the Book of Ether (in the Book of Mormon): 

“And now we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God or they shall be swept off when the fullness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fullness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity. For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands. Wherefore, he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off, for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fullness of iniquity among the children of the land that they are swept off. And this cometh unto you, O ye gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God, that ye may repent and not continue in your iniquities until the fullness be come, that ye may not bring down the fullness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land hath hitherto done. Behold, this is a choice land; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under Heaven if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who has been manifested by the things which we have written.” 

This is a choice land. I would love to see God continue to bless it and prosper it and keep us free from bondage and captivity and other nations. I would love to see my children and grandchildren enjoy those promises as well. I believe that if we don’t repent as a nation, especially in recognizing the sacred gift of life, we will likely lose those blessings.