followHIM Favorites – Feb. 2-8: Moses 7 — Enoch and Building Zion

Podcast: followHIM
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Episode: FollowHIM Favorites • Feb. 2-8 • Come, Follow Me
Date: January 29, 2026

Main Theme

This episode centers on Moses chapter 7 and the story of Enoch, exploring how the concept of Zion—being of “one heart and one mind”—can be applied practically in church groups, youth settings, and personal lives. Hank Smith and John Bytheway share stories that illustrate unity and repentance as pathways to creating Zion-like communities.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

What Zion Really Means

• Definition of Zion:
  • Not just a place or an abstract cause, but a condition of unity: “of one heart, of one mind.”
    • [00:17] John: “You ask anybody. I think most of us know Zion means of one heart, of one mind. It’s not just a place, not just a cause.”

John’s Youth Conference Story

• Setting: Youth conference in Florida, some contention among groups.
• Trigger: A girl shares testimony referencing recent seminary discussions about Zion, saying,

  “You guys, we’ve been talking about Zion in seminary, and it sounds to me like we’re supposed to be friends.” (Testimonial paraphrased) [00:38]

• Impact: Her simple, emotional statement shifted the entire meeting. Multiple youth stood up, apologizing for offenses and seeking reconciliation.
  • [00:49] John: “This girl got up in testimony meeting, and she just said the coolest thing… the whole chapel changed... One after another these kids got up and apologized if they’d ever offended other kids that were there. It was one of the most beautiful meetings I ever remember.”
• Reflection on adversity: The adversary often tries to create disunity from within through gossip and judgment.
  • [01:20] John: “If the adversary is going to get us, it might not be from the outside in. It might be from the inside out—get us gossiping about each other and judging each other harshly and things like that.”

The Power of Apology and Repentance

• Encouragement: Apologizing—even for things as simple as incidents at ward basketball—can invite the Spirit and foster unity.
  • [01:37] John: “If you need to get up and apologize for something that happened at ward basketball, you could do that too.”

Empowering Youth to Build Zion

• Creating Unity: Everyone has the power to foster unity in their groups, regardless of age.
  • [01:44] Hank: “If every young person understood…their ability to create unity in their quorum, in their class, in their ward, in their stake, it’s within their grasp.”
• Application: Being of one heart and one mind is an attainable, actionable goal.
  • [01:54] Hank (paraphrasing): "Let’s be of one heart, let’s be of one mind."

Scriptural Foundation

• Doctrine & Covenants 38:27 referenced:

  "Be one, and if ye are not one, ye are not mine."

  • [02:03] John: “I think about, is it section 38 ‘be one, and if ye are not one, ye are not mine.’ And the alternatives of not being his are really bad.”

Playing on the Same Team

• Metaphor: God has put us all on the same team, so we should support each other.
  • [02:24] Hank: “God put us on the same team for a reason. Let’s play like we’re on the same team.”
• Practical Motto: Quoting Kirby Heyborne:

  “I got your back.”

  • [02:26] Hank: “I think we can do that in our wards, in our classes, in our quorums. I got your back 100%.”

Closing Remark

• Simple Takeaway:

  “Sounds to me like we’re supposed to be friends.”

  • [02:38] John (reiterating the youth’s testimony)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:38] “You guys, we’ve been talking about Zion in seminary, and it sounds to me like we’re supposed to be friends.” — Youth at testimony meeting (paraphrased by John)
• [01:20] “If the adversary is going to get us, it might not be from the outside in. It might be from the inside out.” — John Bytheway
• [01:44] “If every young person understood their ability to create unity... It’s within their grasp.” — Hank Smith
• [02:03] “Be one, and if ye are not one, ye are not mine.” — John Bytheway referencing D&C 38
• [02:24] “God put us on the same team for a reason. Let’s play like we’re on the same team.” — Hank Smith
• [02:26] “I got your back.” — Kirby Heyborne (quoted by Hank Smith)

Important Timestamps

• [00:17]: John introduces the theme of Zion and shares the youth conference story
• [01:20]: The adversary’s tactics: internal division
• [01:44]: Hank discusses youth (and all members) creating unity
• [02:03]: Discussion of “be one” from Doctrine & Covenants 38
• [02:24]: The “same team” metaphor and quoting Kirby Heyborne
• [02:38]: John restates the core message: "We’re supposed to be friends"

Summary Tone and Takeaway

The tone was warm, inviting, and encouraging, with both hosts sharing practical stories and scriptural insights. The episode’s core message: Unity is not abstract or unattainable—it’s built through small, sincere acts of reaching out, apologizing, and choosing to have each other’s backs. Creating Zion starts with friendship and forgiveness within our own circles.