The Spirit of Pioneering: A Call to Extend Zion’s Borders

Sixty-two years. Consider the span of time since the Restoration, and the astounding growth it encompasses. Elder John Morgan, speaking in April 1892, marveled at the numerical strength of the Church, echoing the prophet’s plea: “Give us room that we may dwell.” But his observation wasn’t merely a celebration of numbers; it was a diagnosis of a potential ailment, and a prescription for a vital course correction.

We, as Latter-day Saints, are often comfortable with the familiar. The comforts of established wards, the predictability of routine, the security of settled lives – these are blessings to be cherished. Yet, complacency, however gentle, can be a subtle poison to the spirit of Zion. Morgan’s words serve as a bracing reminder that the expansion of Zion isn't solely a historical endeavor; it's a continuing principle rooted in the very nature of the gospel.

He observed a concerning trend: young men, brimming with strength and purpose, finding themselves adrift in densely populated areas, potentially destined for a life of servitude rather than dominion. He recognized the value of the pioneering spirit – that faith-fueled courage to carve a life from the wilderness – and understood that its absence risked stagnation. The call wasn't for a mass exodus, but for a redirection of that inherent strength, a scattering of potential that would, in turn, enrich the whole.

Consider the parallels to our own time. The “wilderness” may no longer be a literal expanse of uncultivated land, but it exists in the form of spiritual barrenness, economic hardship, or social fragmentation. The call to “extend the borders of Zion” can be a call to venture into new markets, to establish communities in areas of need, to embrace innovative approaches to ministry, or even to simply reach out to those feeling lost and disconnected within our own congregations. It demands a willingness to leave the perceived safety of the known and embrace the challenges of the unknown, trusting in the Lord's guidance and provision.

Morgan’s critique of parents dissuading their children from seeking opportunities beyond the family farm rings with a timeless truth. While familial support is essential, it shouldn’t become a cage. We must encourage our children – and ourselves – to embrace the discomfort of growth, the trials of forging their own paths, and the potential for profound blessings that lie beyond the familiar horizon. To cling to the “little farm at home,” in a metaphorical sense, is to deny the blessings of the Restoration, to stifle the Spirit, and to diminish the potential of Zion.

The principle isn't simply about geographic expansion; it’s about spiritual expansion – the expansion of faith, of understanding, of service. It is the willingness to step outside our comfort zones, to embrace challenges, and to build up the Church in every ward and stake, mirroring the pattern set by those courageous pioneers who laid the foundation for our present blessings. The spirit of pioneering isn't a relic of the past; it is a vital force for the future of Zion.

Let us examine our own lives, our own communities, and ask: where are the frontiers that await our exploration? Where are the opportunities to extend the borders of Zion, not merely geographically, but spiritually and economically? Where are the young men and women who possess the strength and the faith to answer this call?

I invite each of you to ponder D&C 121:34-35, where the Lord instructs us to “do all that we can in our power to assist those who are in want.” This is, in essence, extending Zion’s borders through acts of love and service.

Consider submitting a short essay detailing how you’ve seen the principle of pioneering manifest in your own life or community. Let us learn from one another and strengthen the resolve to extend Zion’s borders, not merely as a historical echo, but as a living, breathing reality.