The Cause of Zion and Personal Growth: A Journey Toward Purity of Heart

In Doctrine and Covenants 6:6, the Lord gives this clear and profound directive: “Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth the cause of Zion.” This verse prompts questions that lead us deeper into personal growth and discipleship: What is the cause of Zion? and How does it intersect with my personal journey of becoming pure in heart?

The Significance of Six

My curiosity about this verse (section 6, verse 6) sparked a journey of exploration into the number six, particularly within scriptural texts. In Revelation chapters 6 and 7, we glimpse the sixth seal, a symbol of the days of tribulation—a poignant reminder of the challenges we face as we strive towards becoming a Zion people. Interestingly, number six often embodies the idea of incompleteness or divine counterfeit in the scriptures. This means it represents counterfeit representations of spiritual experiences that appear genuine and of God, but are deceptive and originate from the adversary. This suggests that our progress toward Zion—represented by the number seven, symbolizing completion—requires our ongoing effort, dedication, and discernment through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power and influence of the Holy Ghost.

To establish Zion, two essential elements are required:

1. A living prophet who reveals God’s will (President Nelson).
2. A people who sustain and follow that prophet (disciples of Christ).

The purpose of this dispensation, then, is to move the cause of Zion, preparing a people—the pure in heart—for the Second Coming of the Savior. The living prophet holds the keys to direct this work, offering guidance to help us individually and collectively become Zion. 

In President Nelson's address at our last conference he invited us to rededicate our lives to Jesus Christ, to gather scattered Israel (become a Zion people), and to prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord. He encouraged us to look forward to His coming with optimism reminding us that the “best is yet to come.” (The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come, Oct. 2024)

President Russell M. Nelson’s teachings offer practical steps for becoming Zion. He calls us to:  (Peacemakers Needed, April 2023)

• Be peacemakers: Replace belligerence with beseeching and contention with peace.
• Build others up: Examine our discipleship by how we treat others.
• Show charity: Demonstrate Christlike love and resolve complex issues with kindness.
• Be inclusive: Embrace the diversity of God’s children without prejudice or contention.

President Nelson’s invitation to examine our behavior and make necessary adjustments is a call to refine our character. His blessings to replace animosity with understanding and to become true followers of Jesus Christ are steps toward personal growth that align with the cause of Zion.

Personal Growth Through a Gospel Lens

Definitions matter, and the world’s view of personal growth often differs from the Gospel’s. Personal growth is commonly described as a “continuous journey of self-discovery and improvement.” The self-improvement industry, worth billions annually, thrives on promises of transformation, yet many find themselves feeling unchanged and unfulfilled. Why? Because the pursuit is centered on “self.”

In contrast, the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers a different path. The Savior’s invitation is simple yet powerful: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Personal growth, according to the Gospel, is not about self-discovery but about self-denial. It is about losing ourselves in Christ so that we may find our true purpose and potential.

Steps Toward Zion

The Holy Ghost guides us on how to take up our cross daily and follow Christ. For me, these steps include:

• Stop swearing and gossiping: Purify my speech.
• Diligently budget: Practice stewardship.
• Submit to God in all things: Trust His will.
• Attend the temple with purpose: Seek divine guidance.
• Pray and focus: Strengthen my relationship with God.
• Love my neighbor: Emulate the Savior’s love in all my interactions.

President Oaks has taught, “Because of our covenant with God, He will never tire in His efforts to help us, and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us.” This assurance reminds us that personal growth in the Gospel context is a process of learning, repentance, and eternal progression. (May 2023 Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults with President and Sister Oaks)

Eternal Growth Through Christ

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland emphasized that “teaching, learning, and living the gospel are key principles at the heart of growing toward our divine potential” (Making Your Life a Soul-Stirring Journey of Personal Growth, Dec. 2018) This growth, often called eternal progression, is only possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Without Him, our efforts are limited and our vision clouded.

As Moroni taught, “That which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually” (Moroni 7:13). The cause of Zion calls us to center our growth on the Savior, aligning our desires and actions with His will. As we do, we prepare to stand as a pure people, ready for His return.

The world may promise solutions through self-help, but the Gospel offers the only path to true transformation. Let us deny ourselves, take up our cross, and move the cause of Zion together.