Service Missionary
Learning the Doctrine and Promises of Self-Reliance

“Learning the Doctrine and Promises of Self-Reliance,” My Plan: A Guide for the Released Service Missionary and Mentor (2021)

“Learning the Doctrine and Promises of Self-Reliance,” My Plan: A Guide for the Released Service Missionary and Mentor

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Learning the Doctrine and Promises of Self-Reliance

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Self-reliance is the ability to provide for temporal and spiritual necessities. Regardless of circumstance or level of education, we need to learn and live the principles of self-reliance to succeed in fulfilling the Lord’s plan. God expects us, by relying on Him, to learn to be self-reliant both spiritually and temporally. This is part of God’s work and glory.

“Yea, cry unto [the Lord] for mercy; for he is mighty to save. … Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them. Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase” (Alma 34:18, 24–25).

“And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. … For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:15, 17).

“If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33).

Discuss

  • Why is self-reliance part of God’s plan for you?

  • Why does the Lord ask us to “cry,” or pray, over our education or labors?

  • How can finding a job and earning a living be both temporal and spiritual matters?

  • How have you felt Christ’s enabling power in your life?

Activities

  • Go to ChurchofJesusChrist.org/topics/pef-self-reliance, and review the many resources the Church has available for helping people become self-reliant.

  • Think about what you did on your mission to qualify for the blessings of the Lord, and consider what you can do to qualify for His help now. Write in your study journal some temporal and spiritual necessities for your life. Then write any impressions you have had about how you can become more self-reliant in those matters.

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Invitations

  • Review your My Plan goals, and assess whether your goals are helping you become more self-reliant. Revise as needed.

  • If you do not have a plan for a career or education, search ChurchofJesusChrist.org/self-reliance for some ideas.