In his talk “Zion in the Midst of Babylon,” Elder David R Stone talks about the importance of establishing your personal Zion in the midst of the current wicked ness of the world. He speaks of ancient Babylon and the wickedness of that city. He goes on to say that you can find the same wickedness in the world around us today.
Elder Stone talks about the importance of not allowing the culture around us influence us to change the way that we believe, behave or feel. He explains that he has lived in ten countries and seen the different affects that each culture has on its people. He says:
“Our culture tends to determine what foods we like, how we dress, what constitutes polite behavior, what sports we should follow, what our taste in music should be, the importance of education, and our attitudes toward honesty. It also influences men as to the importance of recreation or religion, influences women about the priority of career or childbearing, and has a powerful effect on how we approach procreation and moral issues. All too often, we are like puppets on a string, as our culture determines what is ‘cool.’
“There is, of course, a zeitgeist to which we should pay attention, and that is the ethos of the Lord, the culture of the people of God. As Peter states it, ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light’ (1 Peter 2:9).
“It is the ethos of those who keep the Lord’s commandments, walk in His ways, and ‘live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God’ (D&C 84:44). If that makes us peculiar, so be it.”
Elder Stone goes on to say that we can limit the amount that we allow the outside world to influence our lives. He shares the story of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who chose to stand up for their beliefs when it came to partaking of the king’s food. He spoke of the great pressure they were under, but how they were blessed because they chose to stand up for their beliefs.
Elder Stone goes on to say that we can set our own standards and not follow the world’s standards. He spoke specifically of music, literature, movies, and dance. Elder Stone goes on to say that it may take courage to abide by these standards. But that by doing so you are committing courageous acts.
This is a truly wonderful talk. It impressed me with its powerful message of the importance of living up to the standards, which the gospel teaches us. I hope that you will take the time to read and ponder his words. It is important that we each strive to create Zion. It is important to have the courage to do so.