When Joseph helped Pharaoh store food, he created a resource not only for Egypt but also for others, including his family in Canaan. Self-reliance is not only for our own benefit. It also empowers us to serve and give.
Doing Justice to Myself
Morianton was a Jaredite king. He "did do justice unto the people, but not unto himself." There are many ways we can do justice to others but not to ourselves, including neglecting our health and failing to forgive ourselves. We need to be kind to all of God's children, including ourselves.
Never Stop Preparing
One key to Moroni's success was preparation. He prepared his troops with armor. He turned cities into fortresses. After successful battles, he "did not stop making preparations." We can follow his example by continuously preparing for future challenges.
The Manna Ceased
Sometimes we receive a little extra help temporarily. It's wonderful while it lasts, but there comes a point when we need to stand on our own two feet again and be more self-sufficient. While the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, they ate manna, a food which miraculously appeared each morning, six days a... Continue Reading →
There Was Bread
Joseph was able to interpret Pharaoh's dreams—seven years of plenty would be followed by seven years of famine—but perhaps more importantly, he was able to give good advice: Let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.And let them gather all the food of those good years... Continue Reading →
“The Armor of Righteousness” – 2 Nephi 1:23
Lehi urged his sons to "awake" and "put on the armor of righteousness" (2 Nephi 1:23). This mirrors a passage in Paul's epistle to the Romans: The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.Romans 13:12 Captain... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Provident Living?
Shortly after the death of Lehi, the first prophet in the Book of Mormon, the animosity between his children became more severe. One of the sons, Nephi, was warned by the Lord to take his family and anyone who wanted to go with him and depart into the wilderness because his life was in danger... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Self-Reliance?
A core message of the Book of Mormon is that we are nothing compared with God. King Benjamin reminded his people that God created them, and that he preserves them from day to day "by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you... Continue Reading →