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Bountiful -> LDS Discussions -> Discussion on meaning of "all is well in Zion"
Post Info TOPIC: Discussion on meaning of "all is well in Zion"
Cat Herder


Understander of unimportant things

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Discussion on meaning of "all is well in Zion"
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I noticed in another thread the use of the phrase "all is well in Zion" in reference to assumed attitudes.

My personal feeling is that this phrase and concept has been co-opted and adopted by individuals and groups to mean something it really does not mean.

I am starting this thread to discuss specifically what the phrase really means, based on scriptural context and the use by latter-day prophets and apostles.

Let's start with 2 Nephi 28:21.  Doing a quick perusal of articles at the Church's website on the phrase "all is well in Zion" brought up a list where every one that quoted that scripture was speaking specifically about being deceived into complacency at keeping the commandments of God, much along the same lines of "Eat, drink, and be merry" concept spoken of earlier in verses 7 and 8 of 2 Nephi 28.

I found nothing in them (contextual or non-contextual) that would indicate "all is well in Zion" means people somehow sticking their heads in the sand to ignore or otherwise prepare for calamities or potential happenings in world and national events.  It all seems to be directed at spiritual complacency and resisting temptation and justification of commiting sin.

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rayb


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RE: Discussion on meaning of "all is well in Zion"
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I think of it mostly on a personal spiritual level... like, "I've done enough good..." or "I do a good job at <insert calling> so I don't need to talk with my neighbor about the Gospel."
 
--Ray

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Organist


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I used to worry about it applying to Come, Come Ye Saints. Every time we sang the song I would wonder if I was damning myself by singing "all is well". Then I would wonder how this phrase could have gotten past the general authorities, didn't they read the scriptures?

But, I then came to the mature response that the meaning is very different. All is well because God is in control and we'll get our eternal rewards, not because I'm apathetic to my duties. Kinda like the difference between familiar spirit of the Book of Mormon and familiar spirits used to divinate and communicate with the dead. While the words are the same, the meanings are totally different.

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mirkwood


Senior Bucketkeeper

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RE: Discussion on meaning of "all is well in Zion"
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rayb wrote:

I think of it mostly on a personal spiritual level... like, "I've done enough good..." or "I do a good job at <insert calling> so I don't need to talk with my neighbor about the Gospel."
 
--Ray


Yea that mentality, and "I don't have to obey that commandment/counsel/principle it doesn't really apply to me".



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glumirk


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The meaning of "all is well in Zion" means a lot more to me after last summer. The year before I had gone through a lot, but I'd gotten to the point where I was hanging out with great friends, and just having a good time. I really enjoyed it, but I was craving change. I was officially "one of the guys", I wasn't doing as well in school as I used to, and I wasn't even doing those little things I knew I needed to be doing. I was having fun, and I still went to church and all the activities associated. For awhile that was ok, because it wasn't like I was doing anything wrong. Everything was fine.

But let me tell you, when I started making goals on ways that I could improve to become the me that I knew was crying to come out, and the me that is closer to the Lord, the blessings and opportunities that came have been amazing!

In "Come Come Ye Saints", I notice that as the Saints sang the song, they kept going. They didn't just reach the outside of the city and start singing "All is well because we are in God's hands". They kept following the commandments, and continuing onward to their destination. We may not have a specific physical destination, but we need to be continuously heading toward exaltation, and know that all is well because we are continually trying to draw closer to the Lord.

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Dyany


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Great comment Glumirk. I agree, we need to push ourselves out of our comfort zones, to be "a little better" as President Hinckley says. I used to be good at this but as I've gotten older I've become terrible. Hence the 'enduring to the end' that is so important. I think it's much easier to START being good than it is to keep it up.

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