What is Self-Reliance?
“Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church[2010], 6.1.1).
President Thomas S. Monson has counseled, “[Self-reliance] is an essential element in our spiritual as well as our temporal well-being.” (“Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare,” Ensign, Sept. 1986, 3)
How self-reliant are you? Find out before you start helping others. Complete the workbook My Path to Self-Reliance.
12 Principles of Self-Reliance
The Lord has declared, “It is my purpose to provide for my saints” (D&C 104:15). This revelation is a promise that the Lord will provide temporal blessings and open the door of self-reliance. He has also declared that “it must needs be done in [His] way” (D&C 104:16). To receive the blessings of self-reliance, we must accept and live the principles of self-reliance, which include the following:
Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ (D&C 104:15)
Use Time Wisely (Alma 34:32)
Be Obedient (D&C 130:20–21)
Manage Money (D&C 104:78)
Work: Take Responsibility (D&C 42:42; 2 Nephi 2:16, 26)
Solve Problems (Ether 2:18–19, 23; 3:1, 4)
Become One, Work Together (Moses 7:18; D&C 104:15–17)
Communicate: Petition and Listen (D&C 8:2)
Persevere (Hebrews 12:1; D&C 58:4)
Show Integrity (Mosiah 4:28; Job 27:5; Articles of Faith 1:13)
Seek Learning and Education (D&C 88:118–119)
Stay On Task, Receive Ordinances (D&C 84:20;D&C 136:4; 1 Nephi 18:2–3)
These principles are taught more fully in the booklet My Foundation: Principles, Skills, Habits. We invite you to diligently study and apply them and teach them to your family. As you do, your life will be blessed. You will learn how to act on your path toward greater self-reliance.