Zion

In Doctrine and Covenants last week we covered the concept of Zion or the New Jerusalem. Joseph Smith and the early saints began to establish this New Jerusalem in Missouri, but they were driven out. Why? There is no single answer, but a great part of it is simply that they were not living a Zion-like life. Zion is a place where the people are united in their hearts and minds and don't sin. Members began pouring into Jackson County--contrary to the directions of the Prophet--and instead of putting all their efforts into building up the house of the Lord once they themselves had been settled enough, they worked towards their own personal (and unnecessary) gain. They were not united, in heart and mind, with the wishes and directions of God and so God allowed them to be persecuted and driven out of the land. Zion is meant to be a place where everyone can live in happiness, but we are the ones who are going to have to make it that way. It won't happen over night, but it will come if we unite ourselves with the will of our Heavenly Father. When we worry about pleasing Him first, he will take care of us and help us reach this state.