Self-Reliance and Reliance on the Lord

Provident Principles and Practices
© David Edwards, 2008

PRINCIPLES: Bruce R. McConkie, in the April 1979 General Conference, explained that self-reliance involves using our agency to become independent of the world, while still exercising full trust and dependence on the Lord. It is our task to resolve the temporal challenges that we face.

PRACTICES: Self-reliance involves preparation through acquisition of useful knowledge and skills, engagement in rewarding work that brings in an income, maintenance of our physical well being, storage of food and other needed things, use of money in wise ways, and development of appropriate behaviors, thoughts and feelings in regard to ourselves and others. The Church provides us with useful instruction at www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,2591-1-1099-1,00.html. An overview is provided below.

Education. Gordon B. Hinckley, on p. 172-173 of Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, encourages us to acquire as much education as possible. It does not matter what field of endeavor we choose, so long as it is reputable. He counsels us to get training, and to do our best at that training. This may require foregoing other things for a while. Education and training are investments that bring big returns throughout life.

Employment. Our employment matters. At the Church Web site above, you can do research on the following topics: (i) finding employment opportunities, (ii) learning tips for getting hired, (iii) posting employment positions, (iv) utilizing employment specialists and employment resource services, (v) participating in the professional placement program, and (vi) visiting employment related Web sites.

Health. Many of us can do more to protect and build our health, vital to self-reliance. Some good suggestions are found at the Church Web site above. These relate to dental care, exercise, health, health care, major medical expenses, nutrition/diet, and the Word of Wisdom.

Home Storage. The First Presidency, on page 1 in All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, counsels us to become ready for challenges ahead by developing basic food and water storage and savings.

Resource Management. Good resource management involves (i) payment of tithes and offerings, (ii) avoiding unnecessary debt, (iii) saving for the future, (iv) keeping promised obligations, (v) being frugal and avoiding waste, (vi) managing time wisely, and (vii) sharing time, talents, and resources in service to others.

Social and Emotional Strength. The Lord has provided resources on the Web to help us deal with a wide range of social and emotional issues. Topics include abortion, abuse, abuse help line, adoption, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorders, birth parents, caring for the elderly, depression, depression in the elderly, eating disorders, foster care, LDS family services, parenting, stress, substance abuse, and suicide.


Photo credits:

Educational setting: http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/antarcticsun/science/images/BPRC_outreach.jpg
Two women: http://consensus.nih.gov/IMAGES/Art/118.jpg
Money: www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy_fungames/energyslang/images/money-l.jpg
Family walking in park: www.nps.gov/pub_aff/parks2008/YELL_family-01.jpg
Wheat: www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cfocus/cfallergies04/wheat.gif
Interview: www.transmission.bpa.gov/images/education/interview.jpg