This phrase speaks as much of the righteousness and attitudes of these Nephite Saints as it does of any temporal, financial practice. They were filled with and motivated by that Spirit which “leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously” (D&C 11:12).
Having “all things common” under some form of consecration means little in and of itself, and will always fail, unless the attitudes of “dealing justly” and of adhering to principles of righteousness underlie the temporal implementation of the law of consecration.
Because of the spiritual manifestations they had experienced, because their hearts had been cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, the practice of having all things in common—being united, as was the city of Enoch, in the bonds of consecration and stewardship-became a natural by-product. B
ecause they were filled with the pure love of Christ and had saintly compassion for their fellowmen, because they honestly sought for what was best for each person, “every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God” (D&C 82:19; compare Jacob 2:16-19; Mosiah 18:18-29; Alma 1:27-30; Jacob 16:16), they lived in peace and harmony.
These attitudes and attributes, and the temporal blessings that flowed therefrom, thus became the foundation for the Zion society and prosperity that later prevailed (see 4 Nephi 1:2-3, 13-18).