And the Lord Called His People Zion

When we look at our spiritual heritage
We've intensified hope and lengthen our stride
When we're kind and don't give into disparage
We rescue all that is finest deep inside

As we practice virtue and holiness
We give and receive, we share and build character
There to ignore all forms of lasciviousness
And grow as a Zion, where each need is factored

Gone would be strife, tumults, and whoredoms
As to our neighbors, we aim to be handier
And, without lies, we know more freedoms,
As with each other, we could not be happier

We'd be partakers of a heavenly gift
With a remission of sins from day to day
Both physically and spiritually, we'd not drift
As hunger and nakedness is swept away

To dwell in righteousness, we'd be so kind
We'd aid the sick giving a shoulder to lean and cry on
How we'd celebrate to live of one heart and one mind!
Who does not thrill of this depiction of zion?

In fourth Nephi, we witness it's blessing
As the "ites" all blended to become delightsome
For they'd lost all desire to do bad things
And grew more grateful, selfless, and wholesome

Who can look upon another who has much less
And say to themselves their poverty is just
When of the whole world, our Father would that we bless
For when we've robes and they've rags, we know what's a must

Our highest spiritual achievement is when
Those who are dependent can learn a new way
And soon more are teaching others this lesson
Till the curse of idleness is done away

As givers gain control of their desires
And properly see their own needs from their wants
The welfare service in action never tires
And one's measure of love is known all at once

How we treat man, measures our love for the Lord
What's the highest achievement? To conquer the flesh!
Then we're rich in spirit, we're of one accord
And when we're all Christ-like, our purposes mesh

To love is the first of all the commandments
With welfare as the essence of the gospel
Zion will put on her beautiful garments
When we learn to apply this crowning principle

If we give a generous fast offering
We'll meet the cash needs of the welfare program
And physical needs we'll soon be tempering
As we're provident and each are safe in God's plan

The stakes of Zion serve as our defense
Where we are promised a refuge from the storm
In the face of difficult times, it's a safe fence
Where there's obedience as gardens there to form


Spencer W. Kimball