Declare Independence: From Enmity, Toward Zion

Brothers and sisters, have you felt it? A heaviness in the air, a discord that threatens to fracture the very foundations of our communities? Samuel the Lamanite, atop the walls, saw the darkness gathering. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, faced a people consumed by strife. And we, too, stand at a crossroads, heirs to a legacy of both extraordinary promise and perilous division.

Patrick Mason, in a recent message shared at Restore 2025, illuminated a path forward, a path echoing the ancient voices of prophets and peacemakers. He reminded us that violence is not the final word, that the gospel beckons us toward courage, curiosity, and above all, love. It is a call to declare independence—not from allegiance to God or righteous principles, but from the politics of fear, the venom of contempt, and the chains of tribalism. It's a call to build a revolution of friendship and civility – a Zion rising.

How often do we find ourselves bombarded by narratives designed to stoke animosity? How readily do we consume information that confirms our biases, reinforcing walls instead of building bridges? The Lord’s wisdom, as revealed by Davee using the D&C 4:4, reminds us, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that feasting upon the words which I have spoken shall be a sign unto you that they are of me, even as a white stone is given to my friends.” Let us examine the sources of our knowledge, the words we choose, and the thoughts we nurture. Are they waters flowing toward love, forgiveness, and generosity? Or are they torrents of fear and recrimination?

President Nelson’s counsel resonates deeply: choose to be peacemakers. Agency, that divine gift, is not a passive inheritance; it is a responsibility. It demands of us a constant vigilance, a relentless pursuit of understanding, and a willingness to extend grace, even—especially—to those who oppose us. To love our enemies, as Christ commanded, is not weakness; it is the ultimate demonstration of strength, a testament to our unwavering faith.

The challenge, as Patrick Mason so eloquently pointed out, is not simply embracing high-minded ideals. It's about the daily, incremental choices we make. It's about the conversations we have with our neighbors, the articles we share online, the assumptions we challenge within ourselves. It’s about remembering that every engagement, every act of kindness, contributes to the ever-expanding Charity Flywheel, fueling gospel advertising in places like Ghana, extending the invitation to all nations. And it's about supporting the Missionary Fund, sending forth internet missionaries to share the good news – digital striplings echoing the five smooth stones, poised to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Consider the story of Abinadi, standing before King Noah, unwavering in his message, even in the face of certain death. That courage, that conviction, is the spirit that must animate our efforts to build Zion. Let us be those who seek reconciliation, who champion redemption, who strive to create a beloved community, a place where every voice is heard, every soul is valued, and every heart is filled with hope. Let us claim our church, mark it on the map, and actively participate in this sacred work.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, that even in the harshest landscapes, life finds a way. The Stone cut without hands will be revealed, but only as we actively participate in its preparation, in the work of gathering.

Let us declare our independence, not from one another, but for one another. Let us build, not destroy. Let us gather, not scatter. Let us be Zion.