More than ever before, we need to learn and apply the principles of economic self-reliance. We do not know when the crisis involving sickness or unemployment may affect our own circumstances. We do know that the Lord has decreed global calamities for the future and has warned and forewarned us to be prepared. For this reason the Brethren have repeatedly stressed a 'back to basics' program for temporal and spiritual welfare.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of economic self-reliance and preparedness for unforeseen crises.
Ezra Taft Benson's quote highlights the necessity for individuals and communities to cultivate economic self-reliance in anticipation of potential crises such as illness or unemployment. He points out that we cannot predict when these hardships may occur, yet we have been warned to prepare ourselves in both material and spiritual aspects. The call to return to fundamental principles indicates a desire for a more resilient and self-sufficient approach to life's uncertainties.
In practice
During a seminar on financial literacy, one could introduce this quote to emphasize the importance of economic independence.
Humility responds to God's will-to the fear of His judgments and to the needs of those around us. To the proud, the applause of the world rings in their ears; to the humble, the applause of heaven warms their hearts. Someone has said, "Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man."
Physical well-being is not only a priceless asset to oneself-it is a heritage to be passed on. With good health, all other activities of life are greatly enhanced. A clean mind in a healthy body enables one to render far more effective service to others. It helps one provide more vigorous leadership. It gives our every experience in life more zest and more meaning. Robust health is a noble and worthwhile attainment.
If you really want to receive joy and happiness, then serve others with all your heart. Lift their burden, and your own burden will be lighter.
Our parents deserve our honor and respect for giving us life itself. Beyond this they almost always made countless sacrifices as they cared for and nurtured us through our infancy and childhood, provided us with the necessities of life, and nursed us through physical illnesses and the emotional stresses of growing up.
We are an overfed and undernourished nation digging an early grave with our teeth.
Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand.
Happy the man who early learns the wide chasm that lies between his wishes and his powers.
Each daughter of God is of infinite worth because of her divine mission.
Be thankful for the thorns and thistles, which keep you from being in love with this world, and becoming an idolater.
[E]xceptional claims demand exceptional evidence.
Meditation is not about getting out of ourselves or achieving something better. It is about getting in touch with what you already are.
None deserve praise for being good who have not the spirit to be bad: goodness, for the most part, is nothing but indolence or weakness of will.
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