In the world today, there is no shortage of causes clamoring for attention. Many seek to alleviate or end human suffering. Many seek justice for those who are victims of a number of oppressive regimes. Some seek to study and cure disease. Some advocate for the human rights of people whose lifestyles put them at odds with the policies or beliefs of others. Some seek to extend the usefulness of the earth, by environmental conservation and advocacy.
Many of these are worthy of our attention. Many are worthy of our support.
As great and important as these initiatives are, there is one among them that stands far above the rest in its import.
The most important social cause is that of inviting others to come unto Christ.
The most important work occurring on the earth today is that of gathering scattered Israel.
-----
Ancient covenants were made between God and man. These covenants were renewed with righteous people. These righteous fathers received great and precious promises. Among the covenants God condescended to offer us are the promises regarding the establishment of a civilization that would transform the world, retaking it from the cursed and fallen state seen since the banishment from Eden.
This new culture which will develop, called Zion, will be based on the principles of God's truths revealed throughout human history. It will far surpass any manmade aspirations of "Utopia" or similar visions of a beautiful peaceful future.
The reason Utopic visions are so compelling is their similarity to the actual truth of this matter: that God in His infinite wisdom has made plans for the future of the world that are truly glorious.
Why were the terrible dictatorships of the 20th century so influential?
Why was Adolf Hitler's vision of the "Third Reich" so attractive, and able to sweep an entire country into such a focused, fervent zeal?
Because it sounds something like the world God and His people will create: a thousand-year reign marked by purity and cleanliness, wherein individuals, families, communities and ultimately a nation could enjoy all the privileges and blessings of right living. Unfortunately, as we've seen, the methods employed to reach towards that end were other than righteous.
In addition to this example, so clear to us in the West due to our direct involvement during the second world war, are those of the great Communist regimes, perhaps less familiar, and thus, less striking.
These failed experiments, though repeated and observed, were likewise based on perverted ideology twisted from the eternal truths that will govern the social and economic structure of God's future grand society of equality and brotherhood.
Still today they persist, somehow always coming to be led by dictators who ironically gather all the power unto themselves in the name of giving the power back to the people.
How is the kingdom of God different from these dangerous imitations, all doomed to fail, and which are responsible for so much suffering?
Though easily dismissed by some who mistake only a few cursory similarities for deeper commonalities, the kingdom of God stands apart from any and all such human philosophies and institutions.
The building up of the kingdom of God is based on an individual's freedom to choose. This freedom, called agency, is a fundamental God-given condition of our life here on Earth.
Christ invites His followers to invite others to come unto Him. When they choose to act, they become agents for Him. They do and say the things He would do and say. They go out into the world seeking those who will hear the voice of warning, and harden not their hearts. These are the "elect of God." (Doc. & Cov. 29)
To me, being God's "elect" has less to do with Him choosing us, and more to do with us choosing Him. Being elect is to respond to the initial call, extended to everyone. Our returned diligence and devotion in service afterwards will allow God to choose us as His servants. Hence, many are called, but few are chosen. (Doc. & Cov. 121)
The love of God is universal, and unconditional. God's favor, however, is conditioned upon our faithfulness. (1 Nephi 17: 35)
There are powerful filters in place, to ensure the building up of God's kingdom is carried out according to His laws. For instance, the very nature of life within God's kingdom is not attractive to those with worldly desires. Those who seek riches cannot exist comfortably in the economic system that will prevail, wherein there are inherent limits on a person's ability to gather up unto themselves the treasures of the earth. Jealousy, pride, envy and malice will have no place in this future kingdom, if only because they will provide no benefit to the self-indulgent guardians thereof. (Doc. & Cov. 105)
-----
Called vs. Chosen
Christ's coming kingdom is often identified with a great celebratory meal, a marriage supper, a plentiful banquet.
God loves a good party! His are so much better than the Gentile revelry of over-indulgent excess, with which we are likely familiar.
When He calls, He expects us to come. When we come, He expects us to contribute. When we contribute, He expects us to give our all.
When we feel the longings for Zion, it requires more than our passive curiosity, or even a deep interest. It requires our profound determination to sacrifice, to obey, and to consecrate.
A story illustrates this idea of God's kingdom not being an arena for spectators, but a great table where each attendant is to take their place, and bring a worthy addition.
I learned of a family who felt some tugs toward Zion and thought how nice it'd be to reap the benefits of such a lifestyle. They made a visit to the area of the country designated by the Lord as the center place of this Zion society yet to be built.
Upon seeing the current condition of this place, their enthusiasm for Zion quickly waned. Instead of an easy transition into the kind of place they sought to externally bless their family, they only saw lots of work still to be done among the people, and decided against moving there. They seemed not to have recognized their covenant opportunity to bless the blind, the halt, the deaf, and the maimed, who are now being drawn to the future site of the great city of God. They only saw the downtrodden currently inhabiting the place, without reaching on into the vision of the future glory yet to come. Perhaps they still have ought to learn of what is meant by Zion having "no poor among them." (Moses 7: 18)
Sadly, for many, this attitude prevents the building of the kingdom, as they simply desire to "show up," to walk into a Zion already prepared for them. They don't seem to see how they are the active forces meant to bring about Zion. They must be the ones to prepare the way of the Lord. They can't merely show up to witness the great spectacle. They must purify their own hearts, and pledge allegiance to Christ and His work. And then, they must work.
Pondering on the Lord's words regarding being called and chosen, I once sat and recorded a stream of alternate words which illuminated my understanding.
Many are Called, but few are Chosen.
Many are Ordained, but few are Powerful.
Many are Authorized, but few are Powerful.
Many are Set Apart, but few are Obedient.
Many are Invited, but few are Diligent.
Many are Able, but few are Willing.
Many are Bidden, but few are Humble.
Many are Shown the Way, but few are Those That Find It.
Many are Asked, but few are Prepared.
Many are Loved, but few are Favored.
Many are Strong, but few are Steady.
Many are Learned, but few are Wise.
Many are Desirous, but few are Determined.
Many Want to Witness the Unfolding of the Work, but few Want to Work.
-----
Consider this mighty teaching from Ezra Taft Benson, so pertinent to our discussion of transforming the world by building a Zion people:
"The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature."
And from Joseph Smith, Jr., the mighty leader who spent his life inspiring us with clearer visions of Christ's "more excellent way:"
“He who scattered Israel has promised to gather them; therefore inasmuch as you are to be instrumental in this great work, he will endow you with power, wisdom, might, and intelligence, and every qualification necessary; while your minds will expand wider and wider, until you can circumscribe the earth and the heavens, reach forth into eternity, and contemplate the mighty acts of Jehovah in all their variety and glory.”
“We feel disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the upbuilding of the Kingdom, and establish the Priesthood in their fullness and glory. The work which has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that it may roll forth with that glory and majesty described by the prophet [see Daniel 2: 34–35, 44–45]; and will consequently require the concentration of the Saints, to accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur.”
-----
Yield your heart to Christ. He will purify it, and thereby you will become Zion (Helaman 3: 35). You will then be able to build Zion in the world, and see the Lord's elect gather as they flee from Babylon.
The Lord needs you.
Come.
Unite yourself to the Cause of Christ.
See also:
Born of God, by Ezra Taft Benson
Preparing the World for the Second Coming, by Neil L. Andersen
Zion in the Midst of Babylon, by David R. Stone
“Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father” by Neal A. Maxwell