Elder David R. Stone, Second Quorum of the Seventy, counseled Church members Sunday afternoon to resist the onslaught of Babylon and create Zion in their homes and communities.

"We seek Zion because it is the habitation of our Lord, who is Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. In Zion, and from Zion, His luminous and incandescent light will shine forth and He will rule forever," said Elder Stone of the Seventy.

One of the greatest challenges Church members face today is to live in the world, but somehow, not be of the world, said Elder Stone.

"We should not allow ourselves to be engulfed by the culture which surrounds us. We seldom realize the extent to which we are a product of the culture of our place and times."

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He said Church members need not adopt the standards, the mores and morals of Babylon. "We can create Zion in the midst of Babylon. We can have our own standards for music, and literature, and dance, and film, and language. We can have our own standards for dress and deportment, for politeness and respect. We can live in accordance with Lord's moral laws. We can limit how much of Babylon we allow into our home by the media of communication.

"We can live as a Zion people, if we wish to. Will it be hard? Of course it will; for the waves of Babylonian culture crash incessantly against our shores. Will it take courage? Of course it will."

Elder Stone said courage is the basis and foundation for all virtues and the lack of courage diminishes every other virtue.

"We do not need to become as puppets in the hands of the culture of the place and times. We can be courageous, and can walk in the Lord's paths, and follow His footsteps. And if we do, we will be called Zion, and we will be the people of the Lord."

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