Provident Principles and Practices: Providing the Lord’s Way

Provident Principles and Practices
© David Edwards, 2009
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PRINCIPLES: In the new guide Summary of a Leader's Guide to Welfare: Providing in the Lord's Way, published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members are charged with helping other Church members better understand basic principles of welfare. These principles include the following:

Self-reliance. We are responsible to provide for our own welfare. This means that, with the Lord’s inspiration, we make our own decisions, resolve our own difficulties, and avoid dependence on others to the extent we can. We provide for necessities of life for ourselves and our families. When we are self-reliant, we are better able to serve and bless others. If we do all we can to meet our own needs but still fall short, then we turn first to family and second to the Church.

Education. Part of education is gaining knowledge and wisdom from the scriptures and good books and improving our skills in reading, writing, mathematics and areas of learning needed for full and meaningful employment.

Health. We enhance our health by obeying the Word of Wisdom, eating wholesome food, exercising, and obtaining sufficient sleep. We avoid damaging or addictive drugs or behaviors. We practice good hygiene and sanitation and obtain appropriate medical and dental care. We develop close and righteous relationships with family and others.

Employment. We prepare for and choose appropriate employment to meet personal and family needs. Once working, we improve job skills, do an honest day’s work, and live so as to merit the trust of our employers and fellow workers.

Home Storage. We enhance preparedness for disruptive events by obtaining a short-term supply of ordinary foods and emergency drinking water and a long-term supply of long-lasting foods.

Finances. Financial self-reliance means paying tithes and offerings, getting and staying out of unnecessary debt, creating a budget, living within one’s budget, building a financial reserve over time, and instructing family members in financial responsibility.

Spiritual Strength. Developing spiritual strength means exercising faith in God and His Son, keeping the commandments, praying regularly, studying God’s revealed word, attending Sacrament and other essential meetings, and serving in Church callings and assignments.

Caring for Others. As did the Lord, we minister to those in need and the sick, afflicted or sorrowful. We consecrate our time, talents and energy to building the Lord’s Kingdom.

More at

http://providentliving.org/pfw/multimedia/files/pfw/pdf/120985_PITLWLoResWebVersion_08257_pdf.pdf