Financial Self Reliance
Why is it important to God that we become financially self-reliant?
- When we are self-reliant, we use the blessings and abilities God has given us to care for ourselves and our families and find solutions to our own problems. (Strength of Youth, Work and Self-Reliance) As we become self-reliant, we are also better able to serve and care for others. As we are enabled to provide for others with our substance through tithing, fast offerings, and other avenues what blessings has god promised?
Blessing of Tithing
- Malachi 3:10–11 We learn that we are promised that the windows of heaven will open and a blessing poured out that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Elder Oaks stated that these blessings can extend to the nation in which we reside. “When the people of God withheld their tithes and offerings, Malachi condemned ‘this whole nation’ (Malachi 3:9). Similarly, I believe that when many citizens of a nation are faithful in the payment of tithes, they summon the blessings of heaven upon their entire nation.”
- Prevents Greed, “One of the great blessings of tithing is that it helps prevent greed,” Elder Hales says. “It is best to start paying tithing early. . . . Decide to pay your tithing now; don’t put it off.”
Obedience Provides Protection, Blessings will come to full-tithe payers because of their consistent efforts in obedience to the commandment. Faith will be strengthened, hearts will be softened, and protection will be provided. President Henry B. Eyring taught “It is that change in our hearts through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, beyond the offering of our money or goods, that makes it possible for the Lord to promise full-tithe payers protection in the last days,” he says. “We can have confidence that we will qualify for that blessing of protection if we commit now to pay a full tithe and are steady in doing it.”
Tithing Brings Confidence and Peace, President Eyring said “All of us who have paid a consistent full tithe feel greater confidence in asking God for what we and our families need,” he says. “He has promised blessings even greater than we can receive when we have been faithful to our covenant to pay our tithes (see Malachi 3:10). So one of the great blessings of tithing is confidence in what the future holds. Whatever our circumstances may be, things will work out for the best. As we keep our promises, He will keep His. A feeling of peace is one of the great blessings of paying a full tithe. Those who have kept the commandment of tithing can testify that the blessing of peace is real and precious.”
Blessing of Riches
- Alma 1:29–30 We see that through their riches the Nephites were able to clothe the naked, care for the sick, etc and that they were equal in each other's eyes
- Jacob 2:13–14, 17–19 As we see hear the people of Jacob's time were heading down the same path as the people of Almas time. Jacob counseled them to look upon their brethren as themselves and that “before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.” We should be first concerned with the kingdom of god
How Do We Become Self-Reliant? (Suggest the following guidelines)
- 1. Create and follow a budget to save money for a mission and school.
- 2. Cook dinner once a week for your family.
- 3. Learn a new computer skill that would be helpful in the workplace.
- 4. Practice working hard by striving for good grades.
- 5. Help your parents with food storage or emergency kits.
- 6. Cheerfully fulfill your responsibilities in the family.
- While these are good guidelines to follow ultimately it is up to you to choose the path that will best help you become self-reliant, remember that it is a process and while it won’t magically happen overnight progress is what's important.
- If time allows end with Robert D. Hales Video, We Can’t Afford It
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