5 Pioneer Virtues That Can Save Our Homes Today

By Valerie Durrant

The author lives in California, USA.

Our challenges today might be different, but we need the same strength as the pioneers of old.

Have you ever wondered if your faith is as great as the pioneers’ faith was? Saints today may not be called upon to walk 20 miles (32 km) a day for months on end, leave everything they own behind, or face severe persecution, but we do have to make unpopular decisions, guard ourselves against spiritually deadly situations, and say no to the endless stream of inappropriate entertainment that can distract us from what matters most.

When we choose to follow Christ, we have to call upon the same virtues that gave our pioneer ancestors their miraculous strength.

Here are just five of those virtues that can strengthen us each day:

Faith. The pioneers’ strength was actually found at an individual level. Each of them knew personally that they were children of God. You too can build your own faith in Christ so your testimony will stand strong no matter what storms arise.
Courage. It might seem silly to compare your courage to theirs. The pioneers were faced with real physical danger every day, but we have to use that same courage within us to share the gospel with others and live differently than the world does. Remembering the pioneers’ courage can help us conquer our challenges.
Determination. When tragedy struck, the pioneers could have easily questioned the fairness of their situation, but their determination helped carry them, trusting that all would be well. Today, we can have that same conviction and realize that no matter what the world tells us, “all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things” (2 Nephi 2:24).
Sacrifice. The pioneers’ strong vision of what they were working for helped them make the necessary sacrifices to carry on. We can rely on the same vision that carried the pioneers forward—building up the Church of God—when we have to sacrifice things today.
Unity. Traveling in wagon trains meant that everyone took care of everyone else during their journey to Zion. As we labor to build Zion today in our wards, stakes, branches, home, and communities, we also must try to lift and include those around us.