In a world where convenience, dependency, and instant solutions are increasingly common, the emphasis Latter-day Saints place on self-reliance can seem unusual. Observers may notice that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often talk about preparation, savings, education, work, and personal responsibility. This raises an important question: why does this faith place such strong emphasis on self-reliance?
For Latter-day Saints, self-reliance is not about isolation, pride, or rejecting help from others. It is not a declaration of independence from community or from God. Instead, self-reliance is understood as a gospel principle—one that prepares individuals to face life’s challenges with faith, wisdom, and resilience.
Self-reliance is closely connected to discipleship. It reflects the belief that God wants His children to grow, develop capacity, and act with purpose. Being self-reliant allows individuals to care for themselves, support their families, and serve others more effectively.
Rather than standing in opposition to faith, self-reliance is viewed as an expression of faith in a God who empowers His children to learn, prepare, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Self-Reliance as a Gospel Principle
Latter-day Saints believe that God expects His children to use their abilities, effort, and resources wisely. Life is not meant to be passive or dependent by default. Instead, individuals are encouraged to act, choose, and take responsibility for their growth.
Self-reliance is therefore seen as part of God’s plan for human development—both spiritually and temporally.
This belief shapes how members view work, education, preparation, and daily decision-making.
Responsibility and Growth
Personal responsibility is central to spiritual growth. Latter-day Saints believe that growth rarely occurs without effort. Challenges, responsibilities, and accountability provide opportunities to develop patience, discipline, humility, and resilience.
When individuals learn to meet their own needs, they gain confidence and capacity. This growth strengthens character and deepens gratitude for God’s help along the way.
Responsibility is not viewed as punishment, but as opportunity.
Acting With Faith
Self-reliance does not replace faith; it works alongside it. Latter-day Saints believe God often blesses people through their efforts rather than instead of them.
Acting with faith means doing what one can while trusting God to provide what one cannot. Preparation, effort, and prayer are meant to function together.
Faith without action is incomplete, and action without faith lacks spiritual grounding.
Preparation for Life’s Challenges
Life is unpredictable. Illness, job loss, natural disasters, economic downturns, and personal crises can affect anyone. Latter-day Saints emphasize preparation because they believe preparation reduces fear and increases stability.
Preparation is not about expecting disaster, but about facing uncertainty with confidence.
This mindset encourages proactive rather than reactive living.
Prepared, Not Anxious
Latter-day Saints often distinguish between preparation and anxiety. Preparation is calm, thoughtful, and purposeful. Anxiety is driven by fear and lack of trust.
By preparing financially, emotionally, and spiritually, individuals are better equipped to face difficulties without panic. Preparation creates options, while lack of preparation often limits them.
Being prepared allows individuals to respond rather than react.
Peace Through Readiness
Prepared individuals tend to experience greater peace of mind. Knowing that basic needs can be met during difficult times reduces stress and emotional instability.
This peace supports spiritual focus and family stability during hardship.
Preparation is seen as an act of wisdom guided by faith.
Work as a Divine Principle
Work holds deep meaning in Latter-day Saint belief. Honest labor is not merely a way to earn money; it is a divine principle that contributes to dignity, self-respect, and purpose.
Latter-day Saints believe God Himself works and that humans are meant to participate in meaningful labor.
Idleness is discouraged because it limits growth and erodes purpose.
Dignity of Labor
Work provides structure, responsibility, and contribution. Regardless of profession, labor is viewed as honorable when it is honest and constructive.
This belief reduces stigma around certain types of work and emphasizes effort over status.
Through work, individuals develop skills, discipline, and appreciation for opportunity.
Education and Skill Development
Education is strongly encouraged as part of self-reliance. Latter-day Saints believe learning expands opportunity, independence, and capacity to serve.
Education is not limited to formal schooling. Skill development, vocational training, and lifelong learning are all valued.
Learning is seen as both a temporal and spiritual pursuit.
Lifelong Learning
Latter-day Saints believe learning continues throughout life. Developing skills allows individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and contribute meaningfully to society.
Education increases options and reduces vulnerability. It also strengthens confidence and problem-solving ability.
Knowledge is viewed as a form of stewardship.
Financial Responsibility
Financial self-reliance is a key aspect of this emphasis. Members are taught to live within their means, avoid unnecessary debt, and plan for the future.
Money is viewed not as a measure of worth, but as a tool to meet needs and bless others.
Wise financial management supports both independence and generosity.
Stewardship of Resources
Latter-day Saints believe resources ultimately come from God and should be managed wisely. Budgeting, saving, and avoiding excessive debt are acts of stewardship rather than fear.
Financial self-reliance allows individuals to respond to needs without constant dependence on others.
It also enables generosity when opportunities to help arise.
Self-Reliance and Service
Self-reliance is never presented as an end in itself. Its ultimate purpose is service. Latter-day Saints believe becoming stable and prepared increases one’s ability to lift others.
Those who are self-reliant can give time, resources, and energy without being overwhelmed by their own unmet needs.
Strength creates capacity to serve.
Strength to Serve
A person who is emotionally, financially, and spiritually stable is better equipped to help others. Self-reliance expands one’s ability to respond to suffering with compassion and effectiveness.
Rather than focusing inward, self-reliance enables outward focus.
Service becomes sustainable rather than draining.
Church Welfare and Support
Although self-reliance is emphasized, the Church provides welfare assistance when needed. Latter-day Saints believe accepting help during hardship is wise and humble, not shameful.
Assistance is designed to be compassionate and dignified.
The goal is to help individuals regain stability and independence over time.
Help With Hope
Church welfare programs focus on both immediate relief and long-term growth. Assistance is often paired with counseling, education, and encouragement.
This approach preserves dignity and fosters hope rather than dependence.
Help is given with respect, not judgment.
Spiritual Self-Reliance
Beyond material concerns, Latter-day Saints emphasize spiritual self-reliance. Individuals are encouraged to develop personal faith, testimony, and relationship with God.
Spiritual strength cannot be borrowed; it must be cultivated personally.
Members are taught to seek personal revelation and guidance.
Faith and Personal Revelation
Spiritual self-reliance means learning to pray, study scripture, and receive personal inspiration. While leaders offer guidance, individuals are responsible for their own spiritual growth.
This emphasis builds confidence and resilience during doubt or difficulty.
Faith becomes internal rather than inherited.
Common Misunderstandings
A common misunderstanding is that self-reliance means rejecting help or community. In reality, Latter-day Saints value both giving and receiving help at appropriate times.
Another misunderstanding is that self-reliance replaces reliance on God. Members believe true self-reliance is built on trust in God, not independence from Him.
Self-reliance and faith are complementary, not competing.
Why This Belief Matters
Emphasizing self-reliance shapes daily habits, long-term planning, and community strength. It promotes dignity, resilience, and responsibility.
For Latter-day Saints, self-reliance reflects faith in a God who empowers His children to grow, prepare, and serve with confidence.
It encourages individuals to face life proactively, trust God deeply, and use their abilities to bless both their families and the broader world.
Self-reliance, in this view, is not about standing alone—it is about standing prepared, faithful, and ready to help others.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Self-Reliance
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Church News – Self-Reliance and Welfare
https://www.thechurchnews.com
Scripture Central – Work, Preparation, and Faith
https://scripturecentral.org