In our recent stake conference, our presidency invited members to "Be Builders of Zion" in the Layton Utah Legacy Stake by:
coming unto the King of Zion and be called his people because we are of one heart and mind, dwell in righteousness and have no poor among us (Moses 7:18, 53)
increasing in beauty and holiness, enlarging the borders of Zion, strengthening her stakes, and helping Zion arise and put on her beautiful garments (D&C 82:14)
We increase in beauty and holiness by hearing and hearkening to the Holy One of Israel. Our stake theme for 2024 comes from the Lord's counsel to "stand in holy places and be not moved" in order to be called his disciples and prepare for His return. (D&C 87:8, 45:32).
Where are these holy places? Our hearts. Our homes. Our sacred meeting houses. Our holy temples.
"Holy places can be wherever you are—alone, in a crowd, with strangers, with friends. The road to Jericho was treacherous and formidable. Thieves infiltrated the bushes and trees waiting to ambush any traveler. It took a kind and courageous Samaritan to change that road from a haunted place to a holy place." (Sharon G. Larsen, “Standing in Holy Places,”)
I love the expressive and prayerful plea for increased holiness in the 3rd verse of my favorite hymn, More Holiness Give Me #131:
More purity give me,
More strength to o’ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains,
More longing for home.
More fit for the kingdom,
More used would I be,
More blessed and holy—
More, Savior, like thee.
I testify that the Savior is Holiness, and becoming more holy like Him is the purpose and quest of our lives. "Greater holiness will not come by simply asking for it. It will come by doing what is needed for God to change us." (Henry B. Eyring, "Holiness and the Plan of Happiness")
In order to stand with Him when He returns we must take time to be holy, take the Holy Spirit for our guide and establish Zion to enjoy a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God (D&C 45:56-66).
I fervently pray that each of us will heed the witness and warning of our beloved prophets and apostles who have invited us to love and live in higher and holier ways, the Savior's Way.