Provident Living Advice in the Ensign

From the Church Handbook of Instructions we learn:  "The Savior has commanded the Church and its members to be self-reliant and independent . . .  To become self-reliant, a person must work.   Work is physical, mental or spiritual effort.  It is a basic source of happiness, self-worth and prosperity.  Through work, people accomplish many good things in their lives . . .As people become self-reliant, they are better prepared to endure adversities and are better able to care for others in need. "  

President Marion G. Romney taught:  "Without self-reliance one cannot exercise these innate desires to serve.  How can we give if there is nothing there?  Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves.  Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse.  Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved.  Teaching cannot come from the unlearned.  And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually week.  

Check out the great articles in February 2009's Ensign on Provident Living.