Self-Reliance
Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide
for the spiritual and temporal well-being of ourselves and of our families.1
As we learn and apply the principles of self-reliance in our
homes and communities, we have opportunities to care for the poor and needy and
to help others become self-reliant so they can endure times of adversity.
We have the privilege and duty to use our agency to become
self-reliant spiritually and temporally. Speaking of spiritual self-reliance
and our dependence on Heavenly Father, Elder Robert D.
Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught: “We become converted
and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants—through
worthily partaking of the sacrament, being
worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others.”2
Elder Hales counseled us to become self-reliant temporally,
“which includes getting a postsecondary education or vocational training,
learning to work, and living within our means. By avoiding debt and saving
money now, we are prepared for full-time Church service in the years to come.
The purpose of both temporal and spiritual self-reliance is to get ourselves on
higher ground so that we can lift others in need.”3
From
the Scriptures
From
Our History
After the Latter-day Saints had gathered in the Salt Lake
Valley, which was an isolated desert, President Brigham Young wanted them to
flourish and establish permanent homes. This meant the Saints needed to learn
skills that would allow them to become self-sufficient. In this effort,
President Young had great trust in the capacities, talents, faithfulness, and
willingness of the women, and he encouraged them in specific temporal duties.
While the specific duties of Relief Society sisters are often different today,
the principles remain constant:
1.
Learn to love work and avoid idleness.
2.
Acquire a spirit of self-sacrifice.
3.
Accept personal responsibility for spiritual strength, health,
education, employment, finances, food, and other life-sustaining necessities.
4.
Pray for faith and courage to meet challenges.
What
Can I Do?
1.
How am I helping the sisters I watch over find solutions to
their temporal and spiritual needs?
2.
Am I increasing my spiritual self-reliance through preparing for
the sacrament and sacrificing to serve?
“Able to Flourish”
cji
9/1/13
Lifting those around
me each day
making light work for
all to perform
beautifying and
lovingly caring
standing and or
sitting to assist
able to flourish in
any conditions
for with a cheerful
attitude always
going forth with a
will to succeed
being a part of the
solution today
in the lives of those
around me
as a flower in the
dessert to be
found self-reliant
and all with me!
Copyright © 2013 –
cji
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