Work and Self Reliance
Work and Self-Reliance
ELDER RUSELLE BALLARD Said: My travels have taken me almost everywhere in the world—most of the continent of Africa, the islands of the sea, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the heart of the inner cities of America. Everywhere I go, the cries of the poor ring out—often with the plea, “Please help us.” In Africa alone those cries do not come from a few; they come from tens of thousands, even millions.
The Church has been especially concerned with teaching self-reliance since 1936. when Elder Melvin J. Ballard was named general chairman of the newly formed Welfare Committee. Elder Harold B. Lee was the first managing director, followed by Elder Marion G. Romney. Since that beginning, the Church has learned a great deal about the principles of self-reliance.
From the Church Handbook of Instructions, we learn: “The Savior has commanded the Church and its members to be self-reliant and independent. …
The Lord’s way of self-reliance involves in a balanced way many facets of life, including education, health, employment, family finances, and spiritual strength.
“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. … This is the greatest wealth we possess—to know how to direct our labors rightly, spending every hour advantageously for the benefit of our wives and children and neighbors
Since the beginning of time Adam was commanded to work.
Genesis 3: 19 “In the asweat of thy face shalt thou eat”
Because idleness has no place in heaven D&C 42: 42 Thou shalt not be aidle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bbread nor wear the garments of the claborer.
We should work hard and use our time wisely to serve our families and build up the kingdom of God.
What have we? Our time. Spend it as you will. Time is given to you; and when this is spent to the best
ELDER RUSELLE BALLARD Said: My travels have taken me almost everywhere in the world—most of the continent of Africa, the islands of the sea, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the heart of the inner cities of America. Everywhere I go, the cries of the poor ring out—often with the plea, “Please help us.” In Africa alone those cries do not come from a few; they come from tens of thousands, even millions.
The Church has been especially concerned with teaching self-reliance since 1936. when Elder Melvin J. Ballard was named general chairman of the newly formed Welfare Committee. Elder Harold B. Lee was the first managing director, followed by Elder Marion G. Romney. Since that beginning, the Church has learned a great deal about the principles of self-reliance.
From the Church Handbook of Instructions, we learn: “The Savior has commanded the Church and its members to be self-reliant and independent. …
The Lord’s way of self-reliance involves in a balanced way many facets of life, including education, health, employment, family finances, and spiritual strength.
“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. … This is the greatest wealth we possess—to know how to direct our labors rightly, spending every hour advantageously for the benefit of our wives and children and neighbors
Since the beginning of time Adam was commanded to work.
Genesis 3: 19 “In the asweat of thy face shalt thou eat”
Because idleness has no place in heaven D&C 42: 42 Thou shalt not be aidle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bbread nor wear the garments of the claborer.
We should work hard and use our time wisely to serve our families and build up the kingdom of God.
What have we? Our time. Spend it as you will. Time is given to you; and when this is spent to the best