D&C 105:3 But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them;
4 And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;
5 And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.
6 And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer.

Are you sinless? Are you perfect and blameless (Greek “teleios”/Hebrew “tam”), walking uprightly before God? We are still being chastened because until we can abide a terrestrial sphere which is governed by the principles of the laws of the celestial kingdom (think Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts), we will not be able to build Zion, much less dwell there.

Only Zion people can and will build a Zion city. But scattered throughout are believers of all faiths who are even now learning by sad experience what it truly means to be one heart, one mind and have no poor among them. If you want Zion, start right now in your own heart and in your own homes and in your own neighborhoods.

What are you doing to elevate those around you who cannot elevate themselves? What are you doing to ease the burdens and suffering of those less fortunate than you? Do you practice the law of consecration in your lives? Or are you waiting for some church leader to tell you how it should be done? Do you not have the Holy Ghost and your own connection to the Lord? Are you seeking His face? Do you pray incessantly without fainting? Do you spend hours on end on your knees? Why must so many wait until they are commanded in all things when they are agents unto themselves and can bring to pass much good of their own free will, being anxiously engaged in good causes?