(Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have always believed strongly in taking care of their own needs and the needs of their families. Being temporally self-reliant is part of our culture.

But self-reliance is so much more. In today’s world, taking care of ourselves and our families may mean getting more education rather than putting in more hours at work. It may mean starting or growing a small business, being wiser with finances, or learning skills that make us more employable.

At the core of all this self-improvement is the belief that God wants us to succeed. He knows our potential and will bless us as we are obedient to His laws and the direction we receive through the Holy Ghost.

To become self-reliant, we must focus on developing spiritual strength. When we are in tune with God’s will for us, we are much more likely to find opportunities that work for us and to have the strength to endure challenges along the way.

So how do we learn and follow God’s will for us? By being obedient—not just to the commandments, but also to the principles of self-reliance. Following these inspired principles puts us in a situation to succeed. Let’s look at some of them:

1. Use time wisely.
2. Become one with family members and colleagues – work together.
3. Have integrity.
4. Seek learning and education.

As we apply these principles, we should pray for guidance and open our minds to direction from God. We will learn new skills and learn to be obedient to the spirit of revelation.

Our goal is to become spiritually and temporally self-reliant. And after that?

“When thou art converted, strengthen they brethren.” (Luke 22:32)

Who should embrace self-reliance? All of us. If we are unemployed, underemployed, desperate for work, desperate for a promotion, or even in a good place where we don’t need additional income, education, or skill sets, we should definitely be working toward greater self-reliance. As we take opportunities to mentor others in self-reliance, we often learn much ourselves. Even if our temporal skills do not need to be improved, our spirits can be continually enlarged as we help others reach their potential.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

The purpose of becoming spiritually and temporally self-reliant is to better serve the Lord and care for others. The Savior invites us all to act, to stand independent, and to become as He is. He will help us. He has promised: “It is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. But it must needs be done in mine own way.” His way includes learning and living the principles of self-reliance—“the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the necessities of life for self and family.”

Accepting and living the following principles of self-reliance will help us receive the spiritual and temporal blessings promised by the Lord.

1. Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord has all power. He can and will work great tender mercies among those who trust Him in all things. As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, He can do miracles.
2. Be Obedient. Obedience to God’s laws, principles, and promptings leads to spiritual and temporal blessings.
3. Act. Individual accountability and action activate blessings.
4. Serve and Be United. Service and unity build Zion—this is the way of the Lord. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others.”

Prophetic Promises

The First Presidency has said: “We invite you to diligently study and apply these principles and teach them to your family members. As you do so, your life will be blessed. You will learn how to act on your path toward greater self-reliance. You will be blessed with greater hope, peace, and progress.

“Please be assured that you are a child of our Father in Heaven. He loves you and will never forsake you. He knows you and is ready to extend to you the spiritual and temporal blessings of self-reliance.”