Zion vs Babylon

Doctrine and Covenants 133 repeatedly refers to the Savior's second coming and teaches us how we can best prepare for that event. The most repeated admonition for this preparation is to "Go ye out from Babylon", repeated three times (vs 5,7,14) and "Go ye forth unto the land of Zion" (vs 9,12).  It’s a real challenge to be growing up and raising our families in Babylon and at the same time trying to keep our hearts in Zion. So what does getting out of Babylon and heading to Zion look like in our day?

Zion vs Babylon is another way of looking at light vs darkness or good vs evil. Babylon is the symbol of a wicked world and Zion is Christ’s kingdom here upon the earth. I liked the analogy given in the podcast "Unshaken" where the host asked a group of his seminary students to look at the tags on their clothing to see where they were made (i.e. China, Mexico, USA) and then asked them to look again, with their spiritual eyes, to see if they could discern where there clothing was made-and it can only be made in one of two places; either Babylon or Zion. 

We can do this same activity not just with our clothing but also with our choice of  music, movies, language, entertainment, literature, attitude and values. Are we allowing ourselves to be nurtured from sources that come from Babylon or from those that come from Zion? If you only have two options, which category do they fit in? Are they filled with light and truth or darkness and deceit? It’s got to be one or the other. There is no middle ground when we’re talking about the end times. We're either either choosing God or Satan (Matthew 6:24)

Each of us has the opportunity to examine what aspects of our lives are currently in Babylon. What things are making it harder for us to live the gospel? Whatever they are, we are instructed to "go ye out from Babylon" and don't look back (v 14-15). Choose to come to the land of Zion. I loved this quote by Pres. Nelson given this past October 2021 General Conference. He said: "If most of the information you get comes from social or other media, your ability to hear the whisperings of the Spirit will be diminished. If you are not also seeking the Lord through daily prayer and gospel study, you leave yourself vulnerable to philosophies that may be intriguing but are not true. Even Saints who are otherwise faithful can be derailed by the steady beat of Babylon’s band. (emphasis added) My brothers and sisters, I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always." (Make Time for the Lord)

As each of us puts in the effort to make time for the Lord, I know that the Holy Ghost will be able to show us what we need to do to leave Babylon behind and come more fully into Zion.