Being of One Heart and Mind

Understand What it Means to Build up Zion and Maintain Harmony and Unity

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

~ Moses 7:18 ~

We have no business here other than to build up and establish the Zion of God. It must be done according to the will and law of God [see D&C 105:5], after that pattern and order by which Enoch built up and perfected the former-day Zion, which was taken away to heaven, hence the saying went abroad that Zion had fled [see Moses 7:69]. By and by it will come back again, and as Enoch prepared his people to be worthy of translation, so we, through our faithfulness, must prepare ourselves to meet Zion from above when it shall return to earth, and to abide the brightness and glory of its coming

~ Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, Chapter 16 – Building Zion ~

In Word: The Amish are a people who dedicate their lives to live in harmony with one another. Their example of community shows us the spirit and truth of fellowship. And our fellowship begins with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Second, our fellowship flows outward toward one another. Fellowship within our families, within our workplaces, and within our community. We are called to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37-39). This requires us to walk in the light as Christ is the Light (1 John 1:7) and that we come into fellowship with others of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1). The pure doctrine of Christ is succinctly stated in his prayer in the gospel of John chapter 17 that we are to be sanctified and be one as Christ is with the Father. Through this sanctification we receive the glory of Christ as he had received the glory of the Father. Our sanctification leads us toward perfection in Christ. This oneness simply means that we are to agree with one another where we are united in will, spirit, and purpose. This is the reason the Apostle Paul teaches that though we are many members – we are of one body (Romans 12:4-5).

In Deed: As our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ agree with one another where they are united in will, spirit, and purpose – so we shall strive toward such fellowship with one another. This is a process and part of our spiritual growth. Individually, we are obligated to seek after God and His Kingdom. Collectively – as faithful believers in Jesus Christ – we are to follow Paul’s counsel to exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13).

We are also counseled to look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Our fellowship ought to also stir up love one toward another (Hebrews 10:24-25). Additionally, we are to teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:16). Another aspect of our fellowship is to serve others (Galatians 5:13; Mosiah 2:17). Finally, our fellowship means we are to conduct ourselves in holiness and godliness where we look forward to the coming restoration of the new heaven and new earth (2 Peter 3:11-12). As to having all things in common – it merely means we do well to remember that it is through humility we are able to share resources one with another. This, because we recognize that our Heavenly Father is the one who provides us with all that we need. Through us, we are to bless others.

Take a Moment to Ponder: As you consider Enoch and those people of righteousness – what does it mean for you to strive toward the principle of living in fellowship with others? How does this increase your faith? In what ways have you been blessed by the fellowship of other individuals? When have you felt unity within your family? Workplace? School? Or at Church? One of the many struggles’ individuals have shared is the lack of fellowship and concern for their own welfare.

We tend to think that many end up leaving the Faith and the Church because of some offense. In reality – it is more likely than not where an individual has never felt a sense of belonging. They are never ministered to. They feel forgotten and abandoned. Whereas many have expressed gratitude and great joy in the strength and fellowship they have within their community of others. For those struggling to find a way to fellowship with others – what are the barriers you are facing? The challenges that prevent you from returning to the Church and experiencing all the blessings of the Kingdom of Heaven?

Sometimes it is challenging. Specifically, when we have done all things in our power to reach out and seek help, seek out to be ministered too, and to seek out those inherit blessings a fellowship provides. For those who are seeking ways to minister – have you considered finding those individuals who have gone inactive? Made contact and fellowshipped with them? Sometimes it is not about getting them to Church. It is about meeting them where they are at and ministering to their immediate needs.