We talk about Self-Reliance, but I wonder if there is more to it than we immediately think it is. L. Tom Perry gave a talk, in October 1991, about Self-Reliance where he says,

“Independence and self-reliance are critical to our spiritual and temporal growth. Whenever we get into situations which threaten our self-reliance, we will find our freedoms threatened as well. If we increase our dependence on anything or anyone except the Lord, we will find an immediate decrease in our freedom to act. As President Heber J. Grant declared, “Nothing destroys the individuality of a man, a woman, or a child as much as the failure to be self-reliant.”

As I have always understood it, self-reliance is using wisdom as I use my own personal resources and calling upon the Lord, faithfully, to make up the difference. But, recently, I have come to learn that it’s actually the exact opposite. “Self-reliance” is a misnomer, because the true definition is to rely completely on the Lord first.

Our ability to be self-reliant is to go to the Lord first, then obey all that He directs us to do. Only then will our “self-reliance” provide safety and preservation for ourselves and our families.

Nephi is asked to build a ship without having previous knowledge to do so. He not only has to build a seaworthy ship he also has to make the tools to build with. Without Google or YouTube, his only resource is the Lord.

The Brother of Jared is also asked to build something seaworthy. He asks specific directions and receives answers each time to accomplish his task. When he asks about light, the Lord throws it back to him saying you figure it out. The Brother of Jared returns with a request for another miracle from the Lord. Instead of working it out for himself, He is still willing to rely on the Lord’s goodness and help.

We see the faith of the widow who feeds Elisha. She is willing to give the last of her food to the prophet of the Lord. Ever after she has enough food for her and her little boy.

Another poor widow throws in her pennies to pay her full tithe, trusting and believing that it’s still enough to receive a fullness of blessings. It is.

Do people really think they can rely completely on themselves in every scenario they face in life? Do they only turn to God when they’ve tried first, and failed? Do they curse God because He didn’t save them from their own self-made catastrophes?

Self-Reliance is really acknowledging our dependency on the Lord, turning to Him for help, praying, receiving direction, and acting on that direction. When the Lord guides us to act, we act. When the Lord guides us to hold on, we hold on. When the Lord offers us answers, we accept His answers. When the Lord offers his guidance, we know we are never alone to muddle through and fail.