Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the significance of righteousness and unity according to Elder Cook?
- How does Elder Cook suggest we can achieve greater unity in diversity?
- What does the gospel of Jesus Christ teach about the relationship between all of God's children?
- What is the relationship between righteousness, unity, and living the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- What is the "clarion call" to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints according to Elder Cook?
Topics
Understanding the Significance of Righteousness
Righteousness, according to Elder Cook, is a broad term that includes living God’s commandments. It is not dependent on each of us having every blessing in our lives at this time. The Lord has promised that the righteous who are faithful may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.
Righteousness is a broad, comprehensive term but most certainly includes living God’s commandments. It qualifies us for the sacred ordinances that constitute the covenant path and blesses us to have the Spirit give direction to our lives.
Being righteous is not dependent on each of us having every blessing in our lives at this time. We may not be married or blessed with children or have other desired blessings now. But the Lord has promised that the righteous who are faithful “may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.”
- What does it mean to live righteously according to Elder Cook?
- How does righteousness qualify us for sacred ordinances and divine direction in our lives?
- What is the promise given to those who live righteously?
- How can you strive to live more righteously in your daily life?
- What blessings have you received as a result of your efforts to live righteously?
- How does your understanding of righteousness influence your actions and decisions?
Promoting Unity through Love and Respect
Elder Cook emphasizes that unity is enhanced when people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their outward characteristics. He also explains that unity exemplifies the first and second great commandments to love God and love our fellowmen. It denotes a Zion people whose hearts and minds are knit together in unity.
Unity is enhanced when people are treated with dignity and respect, even though they are different in outward characteristics.
Unity is also a broad, comprehensive term but most certainly exemplifies the first and second great commandments to love God and love our fellowmen. It denotes a Zion people whose hearts and minds are “knit together in unity.”
- How does treating people with dignity and respect enhance unity?
- How does unity relate to the first and second great commandments?
- What does it mean to be a Zion people whose hearts and minds are knit together in unity?
- How can you promote unity in your community or congregation?
- Can you recall a time when treating someone with dignity and respect enhanced unity?
- What steps can you take to help knit your heart and mind in unity with others?
Learning from Historical and Scriptural Examples
Elder Cook uses historical and scriptural examples to illustrate the principles of righteousness and unity. He highlights the story of General Thomas L. Kane and his wife, Elizabeth, who were surprised by the kindness and understanding of Church members towards Native Americans. He also references 4 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, which describes a people who lived in righteousness and unity for 200 years after the Savior established His Church in ancient America.
As a young man not of our faith, General Thomas L. Kane assisted and defended the Saints as they were required to flee Nauvoo. He was an advocate for the Church for many years.
The historical record we read in 4 Nephi describes a people where there were no envyings, strifes, tumults, lyings, murders, or any manner of lasciviousness. Because of this righteousness, the record states, “surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.”
- What lessons can we learn from the story of General Thomas L. Kane and his wife?
- What does the account in 4 Nephi teach us about living in righteousness and unity?
- How can these historical and scriptural examples guide us in our efforts to live righteously and promote unity?
- How can you apply the lessons learned from these historical and scriptural examples in your life?
- What other examples of righteousness and unity can you find in the scriptures?
- How have these examples influenced your understanding of righteousness and unity?
Embracing Unity in Diversity
Elder Cook stresses that unity and diversity are not opposites and that we can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity. He shares his experiences serving in a diverse stake in San Francisco, California, where there was love, righteousness, and unity among members from many racial and cultural backgrounds.
With our all-inclusive doctrine, we can be an oasis of unity and celebrate diversity. Unity and diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity.
During the period I served in the San Francisco California Stake presidency, we had Spanish-, Tongan-, Samoan-, Tagalog-, and Mandarin-language-speaking congregations. Our English-speaking wards were composed of people from many racial and cultural backgrounds. There was love, righteousness, and unity.
- How can we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity?
- What is the relationship between unity and diversity according to Elder Cook?
- How does the Church's doctrine support unity in diversity?
- How can you foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity in your congregation or community?
- How have you experienced unity in diversity within the Church?
- What steps can you take to promote unity in diversity in your daily interactions?
Striving to be a Zion People
Elder Cook concludes his talk with a clarion call to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strive to be a Zion people who are of one heart and one mind and dwell in righteousness. He emphasizes that we should be righteous and united, completely focused on serving and worshipping our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The clarion call to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to strive to be a Zion people who are of one heart and one mind and dwell in righteousness.
It is my prayer that we will be righteous and united and completely focused on serving and worshipping our Savior, Jesus Christ, of whom I testify.
- What does it mean to be a Zion people according to Elder Cook?
- How can we strive to be of one heart and one mind and dwell in righteousness?
- What role does serving and worshipping Jesus Christ play in becoming a Zion people?
- How can you strive to be a Zion person in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to be more united and focused on serving and worshipping Jesus Christ?
- How does your understanding of being a Zion person influence your actions and decisions?
