D&C 51

In the scriptures we learn what it ultimately takes to bring to past Zion. Anciently, we read -

"...the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." (Pearl of Great Price Moses 7:18)

After the Saviors resurrection we read of the early saints -

"...all that believed were together, and had all things common..." (New Testament Acts 2:44)

We find after the visit of the Savior to the Americas we read that -

"...they taught, and did minister one to another; and they had all things common among them, every man dealing justly, one with another." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:19)

To prepare the saints to live in Zion, the Lord began to teach them this law of having all things in common. As many saints were beginning to gather in Ohio, the Lord instructed Bishop Edward Partridge to -

"...appoint unto this people their portions, every man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:3)

I think the term "equal" brings on new meaning with this instruction. Equal was not to mean the same amount or the same level of living, but -

"...according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:3)

I think this suggests the Bishop must consider family sizes, a person's abilities as a steward, as well as goals, desires, and needs. Much the same as the Savior's parable of the talents. Ultimately, it all comes down, not to selfishness, but the desire of an individual to multiply his stewardship in love and compassion for the Master and others. The Lord then promises -

"...whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:19)