Fireside Testimony

I gave the following brief address in a fireside meeting on the evening of June 8, 2025.

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I know that to be the Lord’s, we must be one.

It’s easy to moralize on great global issues. It takes little effort to stand up on a digital soapbox and tell “those people, over there” how they should be living out their lives.

What are we doing to serve those immediately around us? If all sought to serve those within reach, and only stretched a little farther, the whole world would be changed, without anyone seeking to change the whole world. This thought is beautiful to me.

Where is the center place of Zion?

It is right here, in the heart. (Pointing to my chest)

Our hearts must be pure. If we are purifying our hearts, we are building Zion, no matter where we live. If our hearts are unwilling and impure, we are not in Zion, no matter what our mailing address may be.

Were John the Baptist here, he might remind us that God is able to raise up children of Zion from these bricks. (Referring to the bricks in the walls of the chapel.)

Zion is being built here in this place the same way it is built anywhere else on Earth, or has ever been. Pure hearts will prevail. I believe being the Lord’s elect is really not about Him choosing us. We must choose Him.

Walk the road to Jericho. Get to know the modern Samaritans who cross your path, or from whom you shy away.

“We are all part of the army of the Lord. An army that is disorganized will not be victorious. It is imperative that we close ranks, that we march together as one. We cannot have division among us and expect victory. We cannot have disloyalty and expect unity. We cannot be unclean and expect the help of the Almighty.”

-Gordon B. Hinckley

To be the Lord’s savory salt, we cannot be as Lot’s wife.

Leave Babylon behind you. Turn toward the Savior. Follow His example. Study and develop His attributes. Take His yoke upon you.

“In His earthly ministry, the Master outlined how we should live, how we should teach, how we should serve, and what we should do so that we could become our best selves.”

-Thomas S. Monson

The elect of God hear His voice, and then harden not their hearts. In some way, you have heard His voice. That’s why you’re here.

Now, harden not your heart. Keep it soft. Make it pure.

Pure hearts will prevail.

Let God prevail.