Brothers and sisters, as I prepared for this address, one truth shone through all my study, prayer, and reflection: our Heavenly Father loves each of His children infinitely, and He loves you. He wishes more than anything to gather us into the fold of Zion. But Zion is not a distant fantasy; it is a living reality cultivated by covenant-keeping disciples of Jesus Christ. It is a community of pure hearts and unified purpose, a spiritual fortress built stone by stone in our daily lives.
Today, I invite you to turn your life toward Zion: to see the world through the lens of Christlike love, to listen for His voice, and to act on the promptings of His Spirit. Together, let us examine the faith of those who have gone before us, the principles that define Zion, and the steps each of us can take—here in Rexburg, in our classrooms, in our homes—to lift where we stand and to build a community of holiness that reflects the glory of our Redeemer.
Early in my missionary service, my companion and I were taken by our ward mission leader to a rock formation called Chimney Rock, a landmark along the historic Mormon Trail. A cold wind swept across the plains, and the sky was a quilt of gray clouds. While there, I noticed an old cemetery with relatively few headstones. I was surprised by an inscription carved on the bottom of one of the markers. The inscription said, “Tell John I died with my face toward Zion.” [1]
The marker was placed by the descendants of Mary Murray Murdoch, a Latter-day Saint pioneer woman traveling to the Great Salt Lake valley as part of the Martin handcart company; these were the last words she spoke before passing away on the trail by Chimney Rock. As I stood there gazing out to the west and pondering her last words, I marveled at the faith of those early saints of the restoration. They were willing to sacrifice everything—comfort, family, life itself—for a modern-day living prophet, ordinances of salvation, and the belief in a Zion community. At the time, I thought it was interesting that she was not looking back towards Missouri, where the promised New Jerusalem would be built, but forward to the gathering in the Great Salt Lake Valley. In her final words, Mary taught me that Zion can be wherever the Saints gather and strive to become disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
That day by Chimney Rock illuminated for me the essence of Zion: it is not a single geographic pin on a map, but a way of living—a culture of unity, purity, and selfless service. Today, we’re called to that same dream: to build Zion, not as a distant hope, but as a living reality in our hearts, homes, and stakes. How do we do it? By turning our lives toward Christ, together.
For you, as BYU-Idaho students, that’s not just a distant goal—it’s a daily choice of making small adjustments. The pioneers faced deserts and mountains; you face a world of distraction and division. You’re navigating a world of endless notifications, comparisons on social media, pressure to succeed, and in some cases, pressure to fail. Yet here, at BYU-Idaho, you’re in a place Elder David A. Bednar called a “Disciple Preparation Center”—a “temple of learning” where you can learn secular and spiritual truths. Within walking distance of campus stands a house of the Lord, and stakes of Zion abound in Rexburg and the surrounding area. [2] All of this is to prepare you for God’s work and to build you up. Like the pioneers who crossed plains and mountains, you’re called to cross a wilderness of doubt and build a community of faith, wherever you are throughout life, and today, that's here in Rexburg.
You are the builders of the modern-day stakes of Zion. You are the current rising generation. By turning your hearts toward Christ, you are facing Zion. By immersing yourselves in daily prayer, scripture study, and ministering, you are setting the foundational blocks of righteousness that form a spiritual edifice strong enough to withstand the world’s storms.
President Russell M. Nelson has warned, “Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous, filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be.” [3]
This is not a distant aspiration; it is a daily choice. Here at BYU-Idaho, in a community woven together by faith, your choice is reinforced by the Spirit, by temple worship, by campus social events, and by peers who press forward with you. Like pioneers crossing unfamiliar terrain, you face a wilderness of doubt and temptation, yet, with each covenant you keep and each invitation you extend to a classmate in need, you help set another tent stake in the shelter of Zion.
Since the days of Adam, the Saints have pursued the concept of a Zion community. The scriptures record only two great, large-scale successes in building Zion.
First, the city of Enoch, during a time of great wickedness, wars, and social unrest. With the Lord's call and guidance, Enoch overcame his own self-doubts about his abilities and served the Lord as a great prophet, preaching the gospel, baptizing, and gathering the righteous. Those who chose to repent became a righteous group of Saints, so much so that “the Lord came and dwelt with his people,” [4] that “there was no poor among them,” [5] and “the fear of the Lord was upon all nations.” [6] A holy city was built, where the inhabitants were “of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness” [7] and “was called the City of Holiness, even Zion.” [8]
These Saints overcame war, greed, and despair by covenantal devotion and love that transcended their own doubts. They testify to us that, given sufficient faith and unity, the seemingly impossible becomes possible: the sinner repents, is forgiven, and becomes clean; and a city of holiness, a refuge, for all who hunger and thirst after righteousness becomes reality.
Second, after His glorious Resurrection, the Savior visited the New World. He gathered the people to Him, Nephites and Lamanites, and taught eternal truths face to face.
For four generations following that sacred ministry, they lived in harmony and righteousness: “There were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift. … There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. … And surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” [9]
Their unity was not the absence of difference but the triumph of charity, as they became “one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.” [10]
What do these examples teach us?
First, that Zion is built upon individual conversion—on each soul’s willingness to take upon themselves the name of Christ, keep covenants, and let His Atonement refine every imperfection.
Second, that Zion’s most essential traits can be named simply:
- Unity: “One heart and one mind”
- Righteousness: Dwelling in purity before God
- Equity: “There was no poor among them”
- Industriousness: Lifting however they could
- Covenant making: Committing to progression, both spiritual and temporal
- Charity: “The pure love of Christ,” which binds communities together
- Sacrifice: No miracle of Zion ever occurred apart from sacrifice—of time, of habits, of doubts
These were not perfect people; they were ordinary souls who chose Christ.
- Zion means unity, where you tutor a classmate who’s falling behind.
- Zion means righteousness, where you choose integrity over convenience.
- Zion means no poor among us, where you share time, talents, or a kind word with those who feel left out.
Whether you’re from Africa, the Polynesian islands, or right here in Idaho, your faith can build the stakes of Zion.
One trait not explicitly recorded among the people of Enoch or the Nephites and Lamanites is gratitude, but it is essential to the cause of Zion.
As the journalist Melody Beattie wisely wrote, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. … [It] makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” [11]
In a culture of gratitude, we see each blessing—every class, every morning, every opportunity to serve—as a gift from our generous Father, not an entitlement. Gratitude softens our hearts, clears our minds, and opens our hands to pour out compassion on others where it is most needed.
Yet we must also recognize the adversary’s tactics, which aim to fracture our unity and turn our faces away from Zion by enticing us into comparison, idleness, gossip, and pride. Scrolling through curated social media feeds, we glimpse lives seemingly more perfect than our own, stirring envy and diminishing our gratitude. Idle moments lure us to coast in our callings or studies, hoping others will carry the work. Whispered rumors sow distrust and discord in wards, social gatherings, and families. Worldly trends mock sacred institutions—like the family or the temple—and seek to detach us from our sacred covenants.
Against each of these temptations, the remedy is clear: choose service over comparison, action over idleness, kindness over gossip, and humility over pride.
When you feel the sting of envy, reach out to lift another. When you hear gossip’s siren song, only speak words that edify. When the world mocks your beliefs, stand firm in testimony, knowing that Christ Himself faced greater scorn and overcame it for you.
If Zion is a communal edifice, its foundation stones are laid in the hearts of individuals. Each of us is invited to choose, moment by moment, to stand for the Savior and His kingdom. We exercise our agency to make covenants—of baptism, sacrament, and temple—and then we strive to keep them, drawing on His Atonement when we fall short.
Our families are the first place where we must strive to build Zion, where parents and children covenant to love, teach, and forgive. In homes where prayer is earnest, scriptures are studied, and Christlike love is the norm, children have an opportunity to depart for college and careers with an understanding of their relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit. [12]
When faced with difficult decisions, two questions can guide us; the same questions once guided my father in his missionary service and are inscribed on a plaque in his home office:
- The first is commonly heard, “What would Christ do?”
- And second, “Would Christ do it for the same reason?”
The second question cuts through pride and selfish ambition, pointing our hearts back to humility, service, and pure motives. It reminds us that discipleship is never about our glory but about manifesting the Father’s glory.
Christ was the perfect example in this, as shown in the Grand Council in heaven prior to our mortal time here on earth. As recorded in the book of Moses, when discussing who would be the Christ, Christ focused on the Father’s will. [13] We see this in His words of “Thy will … Thy glory.” [14] As the Savior focused on the glory and will of the Father, He knew it would build us through agency, invitation, example, and love. On the contrary, Satan focused on personal glory: “my glory … my will.” [15] President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “Christ wanted to serve. The devil wanted to rule. Christ wanted to bring men to where He was. The devil wanted to be above men.” [16]
The Savior's mortal ministry showed His desire to build all God’s children and for them to be united. Consider His selection of Apostles—fishermen, a tax collector for Rome, and a zealot who resisted Rome. These men, varied in backgrounds and perspectives, were united by their devotion to Christ. And under His gentle guidance, they became of one heart and one mind.
One Sunday in elders quorum, we were talking about coming unto Christ. A brother sitting next to me visualized it as a wagon wheel, due to the differences in our backgrounds and the different trials we will each face. Visualize, as individuals, we are the spokes of the wheel. If we are focused on Jesus Christ—like the Apostles of old and today—we will naturally create Zion in our hearts, families, and communities as we come closer to Him. This journey is intensely personal, as each soul is refined in the crucible of covenant keeping.
We can see this in effect today in the wards and stakes of Zion around the world. It doesn’t matter what our country of origin, language, previous habits, race, or traditions are. As we participate in the Atonement of Jesus Christ with an attitude of gratitude, core character flaws will change, perspectives will change, and desires will change.
Of course, it’s a journey for each individual, but the Lord has provided an organized Church with bishops and leaders who assist us along our journey. Our common goal and focus will bring us together, no matter how diverse our backgrounds. With the destination in this life—and the eternities—being a community of joy, eternal friendships, and love.
Throughout my life, I’ve lived in great wards with amazing members. It was not until I moved into a ward just west of Rexburg that I witnessed something truly unique. As a fairly new member to the ward, the elders quorum asked for six men to help strip the shingles off the roof of an elderly member's home and repair any damage to the sheathing in preparation for a professional crew to install a new roof the next day. Six of us raised our hands, and we were to meet after work in a couple of days. Internally, I was concerned because, in past wards, not everyone who volunteered would show up to perform the work, and this project had a strict timeframe.
The day of service arrived, and I was running late because of a meeting at work. I quickly dropped by home to change and grab my young son. The evening light was already starting to fade, and I thought to myself, “This is going to be a long night.”
To my surprise, as I drove down the country road to this elderly woman's home, there were many cars parked along the road. Even though the elders quorum had only asked for six men, both of the quorums came, elders and high priests. They came because they could, not because of an assignment. Even though I was only 30 minutes late, the work was done. The wonderful Relief Society sisters even had a table with water and refreshments. People were laughing and socializing throughout the property. Smiles beamed everywhere I looked. There were some very financially wealthy people and some who had very little, and yet they laughed and treated each other as peers, showing no pride or embarrassment.
I learned later that this ward had come together many times before in a like manner of service in building a home, renovating homes, and other activities to help each other. Whenever a need was raised, the ward would answer together. If I had not engaged in that opportunity to serve, I would not have witnessed a Zion culture in action. That night, I saw Zion—not a distant dream, but a living reality, built by hands and hearts united in Christ.
For you, Zion might be a study group where you lift a struggling classmate, a campus social event with a roommate, a ward calling where you serve without recognition, or a family you’re building with faith.
Here in Rexburg, you are part of a rare convergence: the Lord’s temple, the Lord’s university, the Lord’s stakes. Here in Rexburg, you’re learning to build Zion, step by faithful step. Rexburg truly is unique. This community has been tested multiple times in the past, and each time, they have come together. From temperamental environmental forces that caused one settler to refer to Rexburg as “a godforsaken, isolated snow prison” [17]—and perhaps some of you from winter semester could relate to that statement—financial hardships, and the Teton Dam breach, the community has come together to care for every soul.
In closing, I invite you—the continuing students—to seize every opportunity to face toward Zion in your heart, to serve without waiting to be asked, to cultivate grateful perspectives, and to uplift one another in study groups, church meetings, and simple acts of kindness. President and Sister Meredith have continually promoted social and spiritual activities that are all about building you. Engage in those opportunities and, along your way, grab others who otherwise might be alone. Put the distractions of the world aside and face towards the opportunity of Zion here at BYU-Idaho.
To the graduating class, congratulations on completing this phase of your journey. Time passes quickly, and so do our memories. Reflect on your time in Rexburg. As you depart Rexburg’s fields and mountains, guard the culture you have developed here. Carry it into your future stakes, future careers, and future homes. Remember Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s counsel to “lift where you stand,” [18] whether in a bustling city, a small town, or a distant land.
To quote Jacob Spori’s inspiring vision, “The seeds we’re planting today will grow and become mighty oaks, and their branches will run all over the earth.” [19] That’s about building discipleship and the stakes of Zion; it's about you. Life is meant to be lived; do so with gratitude and kindness. Become the mighty oaks of Zion.
May each of you remember: Zion starts with you. Like spokes on a wagon wheel, each of us—different, imperfect, yet anchored to Christ—can build a community of one heart and one mind. Let us face Zion. Lift where we stand. Serve without being asked. Live with gratitude. Be the mighty oaks of Zion. And know this: God loves you, and we employees at BYU-Idaho and community members believe in you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Anne R. McDonald, “Descendants Honor Faithful ‘Wee Granny,’,” Church News, Anne R. McDonald, July 28, 2001.
[2] David A. Bednar, “Brigham Young University-Idaho: A Disciple Preparation Center,” BYU-Idaho Speeches, August 31, 2004.
[3] Russell M. Nelson, “Confidence in the Presence of God,” Liahona, May 2025.
[4] Moses 7:16.
[5] Moses 7:18.
[6] Moses 7:17.
[7] Moses 7:18.
[8] Moses 7:19.
[9] 4 Nephi 1:2–3, 15–16.
[10] 4 Nephi 1:17.
[11] Melody Beattie, “Gratitude,” Pass It On.
[12] Bruce R. McConkie, “Our Relationship with the Lord,” BYU Speeches, March 1982.
[13] Casey W. Olsen and Matthew A. Crawford, “A Liar from the Beginning,” Religious Educator, 12, no. 3 (2011): 83–107.
[14] Moses 4:2.
[15] Moses 4:1.
[16] Sermons and Writings of President Ezra Taft Benson (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2003), 286.
[17] Cathi Berry, “Rexburg, Idaho Funny!,” Pinterest.
[18] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Lift Where You Stand”, Ensign or Liahona, November 2008.
[19] “Jacob Spori,” BYU-Idaho.
About Jared Boyter
Jared Boyter earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and his master’s degree in business administration, along with certificates in supply chain management and project management. He has worked at BYU-Idaho for 14 years.
Jared served in the Colorado Denver North Mission. He met his sweetheart, Nichole, at a home evening activity at BYU-Idaho, and they were married in 2005. They have three children, and their oldest is starting at BYU-Idaho this fall. Jared enjoys projects around his home and going on road trips with his family.