Monday, September 12, 2011

Miscellaneous Monday: Individual Independence



Just some thoughts for today that come from a talk given almost 30 years ago.  Counsel given by our leaders is timeless--it was wise counsel then and is just as much now.
“The only way the Church can stand independent is for its members to stand independent, for the Church IS its members.” (Elder Albert E. Bowen 1946; quoted by Elder J. Thomas Fyans, Ensign, May 1982)
“With the headlines of newspapers and cover stories of magazines full of doom and gloom about the economy, it is well for us to recall the counsel which we as a church have heard for years. That counsel has included such things as obtaining a year’s supply of food, staying out of debt, and preparing for employment. Following this counsel has meant financial salvation to many who have found themselves unemployed during the past year.
The Lord has commanded us to remain self-sufficient, thus retaining our independence.

These economically turbulent times should not come as a shock to members of the Church who have been listening. Neither should they be devastating to those who have followed the counsel which they have heard. The scriptures tell us we will have this and much more, while at the same time whispering, “Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39.) “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30.) And “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” (D&C 122:7.)
Therefore, at this time of economic difficulty, let us rejoice in the fact that we have the restored gospel which gives perspective to the ups and downs in life. Let troubled times serve as a catalyst for introspection and soul searching—followed by increased spirituality. We need to be more sensitive to those around us who may be affected more than ourselves and help each other through this valley. As a people, we should rise to the challenge and grow from it. We need to proceed with optimism and not fall victim to the debilitating effects of negative, doomsday attitudes.

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