The Message:
Daughters of Zion
Russell M. Nelson, “Daughters of Zion,” New Era, Nov 1985, 5
Scriptural Insights for the Young Women of the Church.
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord” (Zech. 2:10).
When I brought home the word that our ninth baby was another little girl, all of the older sisters shouted for joy.
They had a very special society of sisters. Only during a short season when fashions called for girls to wear multiple petticoats beneath their dresses was there competition. Then the first daughter to awaken was generally the best dressed.
Several years later when our last child was born, the string was broken, for our tenth was a son. But that gave the girls a new experience they had never enjoyed before of tending a little baby brother.
Today our daughters have grown, and some have daughters of their own. I now have the perspective of both a parent and grandparent of young women who are precious and dear to me.
With my calling to the Quorum of the Twelve, I feel the same great loving concern for all of God’s children. For this special edition of the New Era honoring young women, I have searched the scriptures for sacred insights to assist the young women of the Church and their leaders.
The feelings of a father are captured in the words of Lehi as he envisioned the tree of life. This tree produced fruit which “was desirable to make one happy” (1 Ne. 8:10). His fatherly compassion was evident when he said,
“As I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit” (1 Ne. 8:12; emphasis added).
Like Lehi, who had feelings of fondness for his family, so Heavenly Father desires all of his daughters and sons to partake of this fruit which will bring them eternal happiness. First we must learn what these fruits are. We must apply them in our lives, and then we must use them to teach and enrich the lives of others.
Young men privileged to bear the Aaronic Priesthood have their responsibilities specifically outlined in the scriptures. Scriptural counsel also provides vital and important insights for women to help them understand their important duties and responsibilities for building the kingdom of God on earth.
The preacher wisely said: “There is a … time to every purpose under the heaven: … a time to plant, … a time to build up; … a time to dance; … a time to embrace, … a time to speak; A time to love” (Eccl. 3:1–8). This applies to the young women of the Church in a very real way.
It is time for young women to understand who they are and how they, in their teenage years, can contribute to the Church and to the Lord’s kingdom.
I will focus upon three phrases that describe the qualities I believe should be exemplified in the lives of Latter-day Saint young women. These are not titles or parts of any Church program; they are phrases that represent to me the inner spiritual attributes worthy of emulation.
A young woman should seek to become a maiden of truth. The maiden of truth first learns who she is—a daughter of God:
“He created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness … And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and … the only being whom they should worship” (D&C 20:18–19).
A maiden of truth learns the relationship between her enlightened heritage and her blessed potential. She comes to understand that she has inherited Christlike qualities and has a divine destiny.
“Now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)” (Eph. 5:8–9).
As young men embark in the work of the Aaronic Priesthood and as young women prepare themselves for service in the kingdom, both will realize their shared heavenly endowment. Paul taught:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:28–29).
The birthright of both young women and young men includes a potential for partnership which may bring them to the highest order of the priesthood, meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage (see D&C 131:2–3). Such blessing is not available to any man without his female companion or to any woman without her husband. This concept is expressed in Paul’s profound statement: “Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:11).
Because of its supernal significance and its eternal consequence, receiving one’s endowment in the holy temple merits highest priority in the life of a Latter-day Saint. To be sealed to a loving companion and to the family is the most important step one can take in this life. To prepare for this privilege is an ennobling responsibility.
A maiden of truth understands the nature of her creation and knows that male and female were uniquely and divinely created to participate one day in the eternal plan: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Gen. 1:28; see also Moses 2:28; Abr. 4:28).
Ultimately, every young woman should desire and prepare to become a daughter of Zion in order that she might dwell in the presence of the Lord (see Zech. 2:10).
The term “daughter of Zion” is a revered one, used frequently in the scriptures. “I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman,” declared one of God’s servants (Jer. 6:2; emphasis added). Two Old Testament prophecies proclaiming the coming of the Lord into Jerusalem used this feminine designation for those who would receive Him:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; … behold, thy King cometh unto thee” (Zech. 9:9; emphasis added).
“The Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh” (Isa. 62:11; emphasis added).
When these two prophecies were fulfilled, the same lofty terms were used:
“Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee” (Matt. 21:5; emphasis added).
“Fear not, Daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh” (John 12:15; emphasis added).
Another evidence of the Savior’s high regard for women is the appearance of the resurrected Lord first to them. He came initially to Mary from Magdala, then appeared to a group of women including Mary, the mother of James; Salome; and others before he presented himself to the brethren (see John 20:14–17; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:5–6, 10).
A daughter of Zion radiates joy and gladly shares her testimony with others. She feels this scriptural counsel applies to her personally: “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every [one] that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15).
A daughter of Zion prizes virtue. She is numbered among virtuous women to whom specific scriptural rewards of proverbial crowns and jewels have been promised (see Prov. 31:10). She qualifies for this counsel and covenant: “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
“And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
“And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:5–8).
As a daughter of Zion matures, she brings forth “the fruit of the Spirit [which] is love, joy, peace … goodness, [and] faith” (Gal. 5:22). Additionally, she brings forth “fruits of praise and wisdom” (D&C 52:17).
Young women, as seedling Saints, need to be rooted in Christ as emphasized by the Apostle Paul (see Eph. 3:17; Col. 2:7). They deserve to feel how important they are in the eyes of the Lord.
Learning and living the commandments of God are prerequisite to teaching and serving others in the Lord’s way. He gave us the laws of chastity and tithing and the Word of Wisdom and taught us to pray and to honor our parents. These commandments are among the crucial and incontrovertible standards that, when applied, will lead to real joy in our lives.
A maiden of truth comprehends the four cornerstones of revealed and restored religion. These were defined clearly by President Gordon B. Hinckley (see Ensign, Nov. 1984, pp. 51–52). He named Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone (see Eph. 2:20; Isa. 28:16; Jacob 4:15–16; Hel. 5:12). The second is the prophetic vision and mission of Joseph Smith (see D&C 136:37–38). The third cornerstone is the Book of Mormon. The restoration of priesthood authority is the fourth cornerstone.
As a maiden of truth learns these fundamentals, her own roots descend deep into the soil and wrap around these cornerstones to secure themselves to this firm foundation. Such learning empowers her to become a disciple, anchored securely to the truths of the gospel.
From these basic truths, testimonies grow—first from believing the expressions of others and then from the strength of knowledge and revelation that each may develop as an individual:
“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful” (D&C 46:13–14).
Such understanding undergirds a testimony of the truth that will give young women great stability to withstand the winds of adversity whenever they may blow.
A maiden of truth knows that the attacks of the adversary are real. She prepares to defend herself against “the wicked one [who] may have power to seduce the foolish and untaught, till naught but fiction feeds the many, and the fruit of falsehood carries in its current the giddy to the grave” (JS—H 1:71 footnote).
Young women can shun evil and defend themselves against the adversary by studying the scriptures and being obedient to the leaders of the Church. They need to become like the people of Nephi who “searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man” (Jacob 7:23).
Young women need to understand that God has chosen to speak to them through duly authorized teachers and leaders in the Church. President Harold B. Lee said that no person is truly converted “until he sees the power of God resting upon the leaders of this Church, and until it goes down into his heart like fire” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1972, p. 118).
Then they qualify for the fortifying promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against those who follow the living prophet (see D&C 21:4–6).
A maiden of truth acquires faith in God, in her parents, and in herself as their daughter, divinely created. She comprehends her infinite worth and begins to perceive and prepare for her eternal destiny.
As a young woman grows from these roots of truth and understanding, she prepares herself to become an elect lady (see 2 Jn. 1:1). This is a time to apply her knowledge, to branch out, to serve, and to teach others.
An elect lady has been described as “A female member of the Church … who through obedience is qualified to receive, the fulness of gospel blessings. … She is one who has been elected or chosen by faithfulness as a daughter of God in this life, an heir of God, a member of his household” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965–73, 3:410).
John the Beloved used the term “elect sister” in: reference to certain chosen women in his day (see 2 Jn. 1:13). Mary, the mother of Jesus, expressed her understanding of the Lord’s ways and demonstrated her willingness to do his will when she said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). She was prepared for her special mission in life.
An elect lady begins to put into practice all she has come to know by applying what she has learned. This is a time when loving arms of the young woman will extend to those in the group about her and offer support to those who may be less well rooted. She nurtures others and begins to build the kingdom through righteous service—by reaching and teaching those within her influence.
An elect lady learns that such sharing allows her to gain further light: “Their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; … For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will” (D&C 76:9–10).
Teaching becomes one of the means by which she gains fulfillment. Scriptures guide her in what to teach: “Ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another” (Mosiah 4:15).
Scriptures also emphasize the importance of righteous example in teaching:
“Thy people also shall be all righteous … the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified” (Isa. 60:21).
“These things command and teach. Let no [one] despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:11–12).
The power of a young woman to teach and her impact upon others are revealed in this scripture: “Many of the Samaritans of that city believed on [Christ] for the saying of the woman, which testified” (John 4:39; emphasis added).
Through the Prophet Joseph Smith we have received this additional instruction from the Lord: “I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God” (D&C 88:77–78).
“As all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books … seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118; see also D&C 109:7).
A daughter of Zion is well prepared to make personal choices based on the cornerstones of revealed and restored religion. She comprehends the privilege of agency and is courageous in accepting responsibility for the consequences of important choices. She has the moral courage to do what is right and the integrity to stand for the truth.
For most women the sweetest fruits of life come through the privilege of motherhood. Women can become co-creators with God. For reasons often unknown, however, some women will not have the opportunity to marry or to bear children in this life. Therefore we all need to remember and trust that our Creator has his own timetable for each of his children.
The continuing acquisition of knowledge is important to all women—those who enjoy the blessings of motherhood as well as to others who may realize the fruits of the gospel through efforts such as a researcher, a librarian, a teacher, or a doctor. All selfless service of worth that enriches or sanctifies the lives of others is valuable. To the Ephesians (without regard to gender or marital status), Paul said: “Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Eph. 4:1).
Great blessings are in store for daughters of Zion. The days ahead are numbered for worthy sisters who bear sweet fruit of the Spirit. This fruit will bless all humankind.
Daughters of Zion play a glorious role in preparation for the millennial reign of the Lord. Prophets, speaking of the Second Coming, foresaw that the Lord shall dwell among the faithful of the Church: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord” (Zech. 2:10; emphasis added).
To young women at every age, your powerful influence for good is needed today as never before. A righteous young woman’s influence is great.
As your roots are nourished from waters of the spiritual reservoir of the Young Women program, you participate in a great sisterhood. You are guided by wise leaders who love you and care for you.
We call upon you individually and collectively as members of this great sisterhood of the Young Women to bind yourselves together—being rooted in truth, reaching to teach and testify, becoming prepared to bless others with the fruit of the Spirit.
Prepare yourselves to ennoble, to enrich, and even to become the heart and soul of the home. You may bless others either as mothers or as legislators; as leaders in the schoolroom or in the laboratory of truth; at the hearth or at the crib side.
As you participate in God’s plan wherever you are, you too will be able to proclaim the gospel, to perfect the Saints, and to redeem the dead. In so doing, the influence of young women of the Church, like a sleeping giant, will awaken, arise, and inspire the inhabitants of the earth as a mighty force for righteousness.
May you live up to the divine inheritance which your Father in Heaven has given you. May you achieve your divine destiny as you qualify for the blessings of the priesthood, including immortality and eternal life.
[illustrations] Illustrated by Larry G. Clarkson
[illustration] Learning and living the commandments prepares us for the fruits of righteousness.
[illustration] Drawing strength from truth and understanding, Young Women then reach out to others.
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