Finding my path to temporal and spiritual self-reliance

I believe that each of us walks a unique path and has the potential to develop talents, skills, and Christlike qualities. But we live in a world where inequity abounds, and life circumstances often make personal improvement, continued education, or financial success seem out of reach. As children of a loving, all-knowing God, we can appeal to him for help to endure our challenges and to ultimately become more like him.

In 2014, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced a Self-Reliance Initiative in several countries outside North America. The initiative aims to provide opportunities for members to become more temporally and spiritually self-reliant. Temporal self-reliance means we can provide for our personal and family’s physical needs: shelter, food, clothing, health care, meaningful work, education, transportation, etc. Spiritual self-reliance encompasses personal faith, developing our relationship with Jesus Christ, confidence, prayer, obedience, and learning to receive personal guidance and revelation from God.

“Self-reliance is a means to a higher end,” said Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; “Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others. Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance.”

By 2017, the program was a success, with over 500,000 participants in over 100 countries. The Self-Reliance Initiative was introduced in North America that year with updated course materials. In the Mat-Su Valley, the self-reliance courses have been offered a couple of times a year and are beginning again.

On January 27, I attended the introductory devotional for the Self-Reliance Initiative in Palmer. I intended to take some notes, write this article, and move on with my life. After all, I have a bachelor’s degree, live on a budget, and am content. But as the evening progressed, I learned how to pause and reflect on life changes the Lord may have in store for me. I received personal insight into my goals and found opportunities for growth. I decided that effort is required to receive answers and direction along my life path. I joined a group and look forward to the self-discoveries and progress awaiting me.

Entitled “My Path for Self-Reliance,” this introductory meeting models the program while teaching about the four courses offered. Facilitators guide the reading and ask questions for smaller groups to discuss and ponder individually. Group work provides opportunities for shared growth and mentoring. Classes meet once a week for two hours over twelve weeks. The groups that form at the end of the first night are assigned facilitators and set their own meeting schedule.

The Self-Reliance groups encompass four key areas of emphasis: Find a better job; Personal finances; Education for better work; and Starting and growing my business. These faith-based, group-directed courses combine proven strategies for temporal success with spiritual skills intended to foster faith and increase personal access to inspiration and revelation from God about your life.

While the courses include scriptures from the Bible and the Book of Mormon and quotes from Latter-day Saint prophets and apostles, the classes are open to the community. Anyone wanting to develop self-reliance skills is welcome to attend. More information on the Self-Reliance Initiative is available at www.srs.lds.org.

The next round of Self-Reliance classes in Palmer will begin in August, but it’s not too late to join one of the groups that formed this round. The Wasilla courses will begin in February or March. For information on joining a self-reliance group in Palmer, contact Gary and Christy Lehnhausen at christy@ak.net. For Wasilla, email janebreshears@gmail.com.

As you invite the Holy Ghost to direct your decisions about temporal matters, you will develop stronger faith and feel a greater measure of God’s love for you. Speaking on the role of the Comforter, Christ told his disciples, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (KJV John 16:13). We can learn true and successful principles and improve our lives by listening to the promptings of the Spirit.

Have you ever felt that God placed you on earth at this time to accomplish something specific? Have you dreamt of a better job or freedom from debt, but didn’t know how to achieve your goals? Come check out the Self-Reliance Initiative and find your path.

Amity Condie lives in Palmer and enjoys reading, writing, and skijoring with her dogs and family. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.