When we study the principle of self-reliance, we tend to think of it as a worldly law. And yet, the scriptures clearly tell us that Heavenly Father has never given a law that is temporal; all commandments are spiritual in nature (see D&C 29:34). How, then, is a law regarding our worldly state spiritual?
President Kimball clearly states that “the highest achievement of spirituality comes as we conquer the flesh.” As we overcome our earthly bodies and worldly desires, we grow to be more spiritual beings. We generally think of this when we consider overcoming habits, but it applies to the realm of self-reliance, as well.
Almost all of the time, people lack self-reliance because they have allowed something to distract them. We may not have a year’s supply of food because we decided we don’t like wheat and never bothered to find ways to use it. We may not have a financial emergency fund because there are too many other things we choose to buy (or too many nights we decide to eat dinner out). In the United States especially, where most of the poor are fairly well off, we Latter-day Saints have plenty of things to tempt us away from following the Lord’s commandments.
(Please note that I said ‘almost all of the time’, not ‘all the time’; I recognize that there are other circumstances. That said, if you are reading this blog online from the comfort of your home, on your own internet connection…)
The Lord has asked us to have a financial and food supply for emergencies. The prophet has also counseled us NOT to go into debt to acquire a year’s supply. If your worries are financial, acquire things a little at a time. Pick up an extra jar of peanut butter or two as you go to the store. Grab an extra bag of rice or beans. If you are near a cannery, go in and can what you are able to afford for a month; take it out of your food budget and use it.
The same can be said for your emergency fund. Work on it slowly, a little at a time. Budget in a little bit to add to it each pay period, or each month. Do you know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. You don’t have to have it all finished this week. But you should get started.
If you feel you honestly can’t afford to listen to the counsel of the prophets, I would encourage you to sit down and review your finances. Draw up a budget and see where the money is going. If you are carrying a car payment that is sapping all of your funds and keeping you from listening to the Lord, consider selling it, purchasing a cheaper car (and if you do it with cash, you won’t have payments!), and adding to your emergency supply. If your house payment costs more than 33% of your takehome pay, you may have too much house; you might consider selling and moving down in house because this will cause you long-term financial pain. And if you can justify cable, internet, new furniture, or frequent meals out but can’t find money for food storage or an emergency fund, you need to ask yourself what your priorities are.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my computer, I love my internet, and I’ve told you before, I’m a Tivo junkie. But what should take priority: toys, vehicles, or the Lord’s commands?
Tivo. God. Tivo. God.
Think I’ll bank on Heavenly Father.
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