Building Claims, Building Zion: What Does 'Productive Improvement' Mean for Our Progress?

Sometimes, when we’re studying the covenants and the covenants we’ve made with Heavenly Father, it feels like the stakes are incredibly high. We talk about building Zion, about gathering Israel, about building up the Kingdom of God. It’s a grand, sweeping vision that can feel overwhelming, like trying to build a temple in a desert storm.

Recently, I was listening to a discussion featuring Prime Minister Netanyahu, and a passage really struck me that made me pause and think about what 'building' truly means in the context of discipleship. He spoke about the idea that if you occupy a territory, you have to *do* something with it; you have to improve it to establish a valid claim.

It got me thinking about our own lives. We talk about keeping the commandments, about service, about making covenants. Are we just occupying space, or are we actively improving the ground beneath our feet? Are we just *present* in the work, or are we actively building?

The discussion touched on the concept of development—of taking something that is left barren or neglected and making it productive. In the context of the Church, this feels deeply tied to the concept of stewardship and making the most of the gifts we’ve been given. It’s not enough to just *believe* in the work; we have to participate in it.

The Power of Action: From Theory to Practice

This isn't a call to anxiety, dear brothers and sisters. Far from it. This is a gentle nudge toward discipleship in action. When we study the scriptures, when we attend our local ward meetings, when we serve our neighbors—these are our opportunities to "improve the land."

Think about the blessings of the gospel. The book of scripture itself, the ability to gather knowledge and build understanding—that’s a gift we must actively cultivate. We can’t just wait for the Spirit to do everything; we must prepare the soil for the Spirit to work in. We must be willing to put in the effort, to study, to teach, and to endure the process.

It reminds me of the foundational principle of missionary work. You can't just show up in a new area and expect immediate results. You have to build rapport, you have to learn the culture, you have to be consistent in your efforts. That consistency—that productive effort—is what builds the claim for the gospel in a heart or a community.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The Art of the Follow-Up

If I could leave you with one practical thought today, it relates to the "improvement" part. In missionary discussions, it’s easy to have a wonderful, heartfelt conversation, and then let it fade. The true skill, the productive improvement, is the follow-up. Don't let a good conversation become a dead end. If you learn something interesting from an investigator, don't just nod and move on. Write it down. Ask yourself, "What scripture or resource can I give them next week that directly addresses that point?" That's building the claim!

We are all called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. Whether you are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or just running errands for the day, ask yourself: How am I improving the spiritual landscape right where I am?

If you want to dig deeper into the concept of building and covenant keeping, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on covenant path found in LivingBook. If you're looking for structured study, our next Book Club on the Book of Mormon is going to be a real blessing, so please plan to join us!

Remember, the Lord doesn't just bless passive belief; He blesses diligent effort. Let's be diligent!

Stay encouraged, disciples. Keep building.