“Zion is a principle that prophets throughout all recorded history have correctly understood. In the latter days, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor and many others extensively spoke and wrote about Zion, though most of what they taught is presently little understood. This expanded vision of Zion speaks to me personally as if in a voice of thunder, bearing witness that there is so much we must still do to establish the Latter-day Zion. But in a much louder voice of joy, it speaks of promise and privilege and power well that is well within our reach. We have such a sweeping challenge and obligation before us that we should feel deeply honored, and not just a little overwhelmed. Yet we are scarcely cognizant of our privileges regarding Zion. The promises are so incredible that mortal minds can scarcely take them in, and hence we seem to be more or less oblivious to our potential. We are somewhat like children merrily playing in a sandbox filled with diamonds; we have played in them for so long that we esteem them merely as sparkling sand.
The premise of this book [The Triumph of Zion] is that these promises regarding Zion are ours to claim, as individuals. Only the Prophet can begin building the city and society of Zion. But as individual seekers and spiritual pilgrims, we have fantastic promises and opportunities in the palms of our hands that we have only to close our fingers around to claim. We have the potential, the right, and the obligation to reach far beyond our present belief, and even further beyond our present view of our capacity, and claim gifts that are so exceedingly rare, and so celestially precious as to make them the most desirable of all possible blessings in mortality. Everything we require has already been revealed and given to us. Every necessary priesthood, power and key is operative in our lives. We have only to realize their purpose and make inspired use of them to become a Zion individual.” (“The Triumph of Zion”, p. xvi)
These introductory words are true. The profound privileges and blessings of Zion are within our grasp!
Unfortunately, we often fail to gain such a Zionistic perspective. To many people, Zion is a distant, undefined concept for an undesignated future generation. Yet if it is to come about, it will be because we — and our children and grandchildren — have cast away such dismal dismissals and vague notions, and received its realities in our hearts and minds.
Let’s say you want to enjoy the blessings of Zion — not only for you, but also your posterity and ancestry. Where — and how — do you start?
Prioritizing Your First Step
In my opinion, we must first confront not the past (for the past is already behind us) nor the future (which hasn’t happened yet), but the present. It’s no wonder that in His Sermon on the Mount, the Master admonished,
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matt. 6:34).
In evaluating our challenges of today, there is one fact that should concern all of us:
We live beneath our privileges with regards to the Gift of the Holy Ghost, the member of the Godhead who leads us to Christ and all that is Christ’s, including Zion.
“There is no doubt, if a person lives according to the revelations given to God’s people, he may have the Spirit of the Lord to signify to him his will, and to guide and to direct him in the discharge of his duties, in his temporal as well as his spiritual exercises. I am satisfied, however, that in this respect, we live far beneath our privileges” (Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 32)
“The gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings available to members of the Church. Actually, many gifts can come from the Holy Ghost. These are needed in every age and dispensation but certainly no less in the commotion-filled last days of the last dispensation. They are likewise needed at every stage and in every situation of life. … Yet, for different reasons, many of us live far below, or are unaware of, our privileges!” (Neal A. Maxwell, The Promise of Discipleship, pp. 92-93).
In fact, for many members, the Gift of Holy Ghost lies dormant:
“The overall gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings available to members of the Church. We all need to stress-for ourselves and for those whom we teach-the vital connection with the gifts of the Holy Ghost. These gifts are vital at every stage of an individual’s life and in every situation of life. Members of the Church have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, but in many it lies dormant — somewhat like the ancients who had received the gift but knew it not (see 3 Ne. 9:20)” (Neal A. Maxwell, “The Holy Ghost: Glorifying Christ,” Ensign, July 2002, p. 56)
Might I suggest that one of the first steps (if not THE first step) on your own journey to Zion is to maximize your reliance on the Holy Ghost. This is because the Holy Ghost is eager and anxious to help every step of your journey towards Zion be successful:
“…the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26)
“…if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:5)
So, what do you have to do to enjoy the Holy Ghost’s influence in your life more abundantly?
Perhaps one good starting point is to go to God, in all humility, and ask Him one question:
“What lack I yet?” (Matt. 19:20)
And as we suffix our question with “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:9-10), I am confident that God, who would love nothing more than for you to enjoy the blessings of Zion and to be numbered among its people, will give you that first step…
…in His own way, and in His own due time.
Absolutely spot-on. That is the first step. In fact, for those who may be overwhelmed by the concept of Zion and all that might be involved in joining/obtaining it, consider Nephi’s counsel in 2NE 32:5 – Just obey the spirit because he will tell you everything you need to do.
Thank you. This was exactly what I needed to read today. I am reading Triumph of Zion right now, and I am realizing just how much I must still grow to lead my family in becoming a Zion-like family. I pray the Lord may guide us all in becoming Zion-like, and that we will continue to build up the Kingdom of God.
Thanks Eric. It was good to receive a new blog.
If I have understood John correctly, he spoke of the HG as being different from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I think that I am beginning to be able to distinguish the difference in the roles they play and to know who it is that is speaking to me, but I would like you and/or Shayne to discuss this further.
Sometime in another blog, at your convenience, could one or both of you address this?
Vicki,
Thanks for your kind words.
Please go here:
http://unblogmysoul.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/his-spirit/
for a post John published approximately a year ago which may answer your question.
Thanks,
Eric
Thanks for the referral, Eric. I have been on the unblog for less than a year and have not gone back to read everything that I have missed.
I know the Lord loves to bless us, when we ready ourselves. I loved “Triumph of Zion” and have shared it with many, that have shared my excitement and some who can’t seem to get through it. It made me want to be more intune and more perfectly obedient, but it seems I fall short of my goals and I end up treading water and not feeling I’m progressing. I wonder if the Lord knows that if he gives me more, I won’t be able to sustain the higher level and it would turn to my condemnation. Sometimes, I let opposition and disappointments discourage me, and wonder if the natural women I am will ever measure up enough to have others consistently see the Light of Christ in me. I think these last days are grueling. Can’t really say I’m enjoying life.
Dear Shine, I think I know what you are talking about. I also believe that with every new level of spirituallity or enlightenment that we experience the equal feeling of doubt, discouragement and fear. I have come to expect this and when it doesn’t happen, I wonder if I am doing it “right”
You are stronger than you think. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are here, on earth, at this exciting yet challenging time for a reason and that you deserved the opportunity to be here! I wish we could do it all at once, (become perfectly obedient) but NONE of us can and the Lord is patient…..thank goodness! 
Your fellow “treader”.
Thank you so much for sharing Shine On, I too struggle with similar issues. Just know you’re not alone! I believe that we both will overcome as we continue to grow in our relationship with Christ
Yes, life sucks right now for me too. Every day spent in the telestial world is one less day spent in Zion. If things flesh out the way Spencer’s visions have been, then I say bring it on! There will be time to gather those that need to be gathered. If it is God’s will, I’d be willing to help on this side or the other side of the veil. Just tired of the world the way it is presently…
Thank you for writing this thought-provoking article for the Unblog. You said, “We live beneath our privileges with regards to the Gift of the Holy Ghost, the member of the Godhead who leads us to Christ and all that is Christ’s, including Zion.” How motivating! As we listen for the promptings of the Holy Ghost, I have had to learn that the role of the Holy Ghost is never to reveal himself per say. He always speaks for and reveals Christ. Thus I seek to listen to the Holy Ghost through the light of Christ and keep my focus always on Christ, my Lord and my God. This is hard to put into words. However, I remember years ago when I was born of the spirit and felt the power of the Holy Ghost on a whole new level, after awhile I began to wonder, “What happened to the Savior? Where did He go through all of this wonderful growth through the Holy Ghost?” The question was answered as I learned the Holy Ghost’s calling is to teach, to testify and to show us Christ! Christ was closer to me than ever before! Now I strive, as you say so well, “to maximize your reliance on the Holy Ghost.” Each time I listen – really listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost – I find myself that much nearer to Christ and once again, “encircled in the arms of His love.”
What a beautiful breath of fresh air!
Thank you for this post. I have been taught years ago that nothing is too trivial for the Lord. He wants to hear from us every step of the way on our journey back to Him. It is so easy to put one’s life on cruise control and day after day we seem to accomplish only tiny improvements in our journey. I agree God is far more desirous to lead us toward Zion than we are willing to be led. What a comfort is the Comforter! The one Unerring Guide!
Eric,
Thank you very much for sharing your words of encouragement “to do” that which we must if we are to become a Zion people. We continue to forget and remain complacent thinking all is well. Elder Holland has warned us…”don’t delay, it is getting late”. Please continue to share all that you are allowed, it is truly appreciated.
Thank you for this post! This is something that I have been pondering a lot lately as I read “The Triumph of Zion”. I have to sheepishly admit that I am one of the members of the Church who has not understood the voice of the Holy Ghost in my life, or really paid a whole lot of attention to it until lately. As I realize this more and more, I have struggled with trying to learn how to recognize Its whisperings in my life. I guess, the obvious answer is to ask God, but for some reason the simplest answer seemed to be alluding me. it is amazing when you find your answer just as you need it to be answered in just the right place. Thank you for all of the amazing posts.
I agree with you heartily. “What lack I yet?” For some reason it is obvious to me what the gift of the Holy Ghost is and what I should do to have that companionship.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22-26).
This to me is the best definition of how to know when the Holy Ghost is with us or in us!
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:20). By our fruits we shall know ourselves!
Are we not in Zion if we walk in the fruits of spirit, talk in the fruits of the spirit, and think in the fruits of the spirit? Is this not the Holy Spirit, or Ghost working in us?
Thanks for this beautiful reminder. It is amazing how quickly I forget.
This is a great and timely topic for the Unblog to follow. I appreciate this focus and will excitedly watch and learn with others as you share. Thanks.
This morning during my personal study I rediscovered this great McConkie quote in support of both this post and Spencer’s experience. It reads as follows, “I say that every member of the Church, independent and irrespective of any position that he may hold, is entitled to get revelation from the Holy Ghost; he is entitled to entertain angels, he is entitled to view the visions of eternity; and if we would like to go the full measure, he is entitled to see God the same way that any prophet in literal and actual reality has seen the face of Deity.” (Bruce R. McConkie, “How to Get Personal Revelation,” New Era, June 1980, 48)
Question for Spencer: Both in your book and during your presentation at the Unblog reunion you talk about your experience of seeing the Savior and what it was like to be in His presence and hear Him call you by name.
You share some thoughts of how we are seen by Him when in His presence and also how we see Him by Him at that moment. Might you be able to expand on this a bit further? Thanks so much!
Thank you for the blog subject. Becoming a Zion person cannot be mandated from the pulpit. In the early days of the Church, in this dispensation, the Doctrine and Covenants displayed what happened when the cause of Zion was mandated from the Church. We must each person at a time, each couple at a time, each family at a time decide to come to Zion irrespectively of what our neighbors and other good Church members are doing. We must decide to do it without compulsion, without being forced into it, although the gentle and even loud events in our lives can push us onward to Zion. The principles of Zion were taken out of the Church and put into the Temple so each attendee can on their own decide what it is they will do. We all know, as displayed in Visions of Glory, that it is process and not an event. May we encourage each other on that trek to Zion.
Eric, thanks for sharing this article. John’s book “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence”, is one of the best books I’ve read about following the promptings we receive. If we’ll continue to act on those promptings we’ll grow in the gifts of the Holy Ghost and become a great benefit to our fellow man.
To all of the above posts, Thank-you so very much. It is so comforting to know that we are all in this journey together. My husband & I have both been given a great opportunity to learn, through great physical challenges. Because of what I have learned in “The Visions of Glory”, crushing spiritual oportunities beset us. Only because of continuous prayer, & the knowledge that it would not last forever,did the HG & pure light of Christ come upon for that one day. That is all we have, one day, right this minute. Again thank-you so much for your comments. They have left me uplifted & edified.