Mormon Beliefs: Self-reliance
When Joseph, of the Old Testament, warned the pharaoh there would be a series of good crop years and an equally long series of lean years, he knew the purpose of the dream was to allow the pharaoh to protect his people by preparing. Joseph began storing food during the good times so the people would be able to eat during the lean times. This had the additional impact of saving his own family’s lives.
When God instructed Noah to build a flood, He didn’t announce that food would automatically appear each day, as He did for the Israelites later. He had Noah gather up what was needed so he and his family would have what they needed while they were in the ark.
Mormons, a nickname for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teach their people to prepare themselves for the future. This emphasis on self-reliance has helped them in many ways, both temporal and spiritual.
Self-reliance takes many forms. Mormons are encouraged to get good educations, both formal and informal, so they are prepared to support themselves and their families. Both men and women are advised to prepare themselves to have careers, even if they intend to be homemakers, since they can’t be sure what will be needed in the future. The Relief Society, a woman’s auxiliary program for the women of the church, operate a literacy program world-wide to help those who need to improve their academic skills.
Mormons are encouraged to store food, water, and supplies in case of an emergency. This is not a last-days teaching, but one that allows Mormons to be ready for any situation. Many Mormons use this storage during times of unemployment so their families eat well even when they have no income. During a natural disaster, such as a flood or blizzard, they have food and water to sustain them when emergency help has not arrived or stores are closed or empty. It can even help in smaller situations, such as when the family has the flu and no one is well enough to shop.
Unlike many who store food, Mormons use their storage, rotating it regularly so it is not wasted. While some long-term items like wheat might just be stored, Mormons also store ordinary foods. When the cupboard is empty, they shop in their food storage instead of going to a store. When they shop at a store, they can buy in bulk or on sale, cutting their food budgets dramatically.
Mormons are also taught to avoid debt and build their savings. Debt adds to the cost of each purchased items and increases a person’s risk if he finds himself unemployed or earning less than he previously earned. Savings improves the family’s chances of surviving an emergency situation.
Despite our best efforts, there are times when we are not able to take care of ourselves. In particularly difficult financial times, it can take longer than a year to find employment, for instance. In a health emergency, medical bills can quickly erode the savings account.
Mormons believe that God expects us to do all we can for ourselves and then He will make up the difference. He most often does this through the work of others. To this end, Mormons have developed ways to help those in need. Some programs benefit Mormons, and others help regardless of a person’s religion or lack of religion.
One fund designed specifically for church members to help each other is called a fast offering. On the first Sunday of each month, Mormons do not eat or drink anything, not even water, for twenty-four hours. Timed properly, this means skipping two meals. The money they save by not eating or drinking is then donated to a special fund to help those active in their own congregations who are facing temporary financial emergencies. While recipients do not receive cash, they are assisted with food and utility bills, for instance. It is not really charity for the recipients, who have donated to this program prior to needing it themselves. Those receiving help are also asked to volunteer time in various church projects. This allows them to maintain self-esteem and a feeling of having earned what they received. Although the work asked of them does not equal the amount of aid given, they know they contributed and so they feel better about accepting the help.
A person in need of help will meet with church leaders to go over their financial situation and budget. They receive assistance in learning to cut their budget and then, when they have done all they can, the bishop (lay pastor) decides what help the person needs. The assistance does not allow them to maintain their normal lifestyle; it helps them survive.
Another fund is the humanitarian aid program. This program helps communities and people world-wide, regardless of religious membership. These programs also frequently encourage self-reliance and pride. For instance, when a clean water system is installed, villagers are expected to help build it and learn to maintain it. They are taught how to get the money to pay for the maintenance as well. This way, when the church moves on, they can continue the program without help. Many aid programs fail because the system installed breaks and the villagers must return to having dirty water until the agency returns to repair it. This creates a constant need for support, rather than helping the village become self-reliant. Other programs have taught farmers to farm more efficiently so they can sell additional produce not needed for their own families.
While some have criticized the Mormon ethic of self-reliance as demonstrating a lack of trust in God, it is important to note that God Himself has encouraged such behavior among His children, as noted in the Old Testament stories that started this article. Certainly, few Christians sit in an empty field waiting for God to provide them with a house, land, furniture, food, and clothing. Instead, they get jobs and work for what they need. They understand God won’t simply hand them everything they want with no effort on their own part.
God is our Father, and good fathers prepare their children to be self-reliant. To give people all they need and want without expecting them to work for it would be unkind. We see all around us good and faithful people who are poor and hungry. And so, God asks us to do all we can for ourselves and then to trust Him to provide the rest.
Of course, since the providing for the poor comes from those who have a little to spare, we also have an obligation to share what we have with those in need, creating a wonderful opportunity to help God in His work.
