D&C 97: 21 Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion —the pure in heart; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
When I read this scripture, I am reminded of several others -- starting with the Parable of the Ten Virgins from Matthew 25. It says that the Wise Virgins (wise people of the Believers) will be taken into the Wedding Feast, while the Foolish Virgins will be shut out. It's because there was a distinction between the Wise and the Foolish.
Matthew 25:
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
They had not prepared in the Ways in which they could've done.
I know this is kind of blending two topics, but I see how the Parable fits with the idea of Zion.
D&C 97 is a short but powerful chapter about Zion. Every Latter Saint should read it and then "tell a friend." Tell-a-phone a friend. Or Email a Friend. Or Facetime a friend. Or real life, Face-to-Face a friend being the best. Those "friends" can actually be starting with your family.
Every man who has been warned should warn his neighbor, D&C 88:81.
Why does it say "warn?" Because the message about Zion also talks about the calamities; it is saying to communicate to your neighbor!
D&C 45:68 And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his aneighbor must needs flee unto bZion for safety.
D&C 45: 31 And there shall be men standing in that ageneration, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing bscourge; for a desolating csickness shall cover the land.
32 But my disciples shall astand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and bcurse God and die.
33 And there shall be aearthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the bsword, one against another, and they will kill one another.
If you have unbelieving neighbors, you could write them a letter (and make copies), something like this:
Dear Neighbor,
Our Country has enemies on the outside, and enemies on the inside. Our world is being rocked by violence. Our relative peace and somewhat prosperity will not last forever under these circumstances. I can feel the winds of change.
I urge all of you to do your best at improving your life -- the things that matter the most.
Make amends with those you need to make amends with.
Be a good example to others. Smile or wave more often. Be wise as a serpent (aware of evil) but harmless as a dove (still nice to others).
The world may be crazy but look for the good too and enjoy some moments here and there.
Support good people in our communities, state, and nation. Keep your head (mind and heart) level.
Grow a garden (even if it's just one or two potting containers) every year. Store extras of food, water, and supplies as you can. American supplies and manufacturing could end on a dime. Be as self reliant as you can. Get out of debt if you can (or be working on it). If you invest, include physical silver or gold.
Find out who you can rely on.
Get right with your Creator.
Help those less fortunate than yourself if you can. If you are an employer, pay your people a liveable, fair wage.
If you yourself need help, hopefully providence will find you. Pray and hope, or make a phone call.
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And then if you wish, you can share something more direct from the Gospel.
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