Work and Self-Reliance

Sacrament Meeting Talk

March 23, 2014

“I remind you that the gospel of work is part of “the fullness of the gospel.” - Neal A. Maxwell

The gospel of work. It’s that vital.

“Work is always a spiritual necessity even if, for some, work is not an economic necessity.” – Neal A. Maxwell

Whenever I think of work, my mind automatically goes back to Trek. As we pulled those handcarts over the hills, it was hard. But we worked together, and we made it through, and the Spirit in that experience was overwhelming. It was a work we'll never forget, because no matter how hard it got, God pulled us through. We were strengthened. We were in the company of angels.

Work is so important. How would we grow if we didn't serve, or put effort into the world around us? Giving of ourselves helps us gain more – in a good way. And if we don’t, we’re much like the man in the parable of the talents, who – when given his talent – was afraid, and went and buried it in the earth. And when he told his Lord this, he was considered an unprofitable servant, and his talent was given to another.

Of course, there are some who aren't able to work - because of disabilities, and - where economics are concerned - the simple frustration of being unable to find a job. These things are difficult, but the Lord knows our hearts and I'm confident that, if we put forth our effort and desire Him, He will bless us and strengthen us.

D&C 60:13 – “Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known.”

We’re meant to share and grow. If we hide our light under a bushel, we’re not helping anyone, and we’re likely hurting ourselves. In my mind, I compare it to covering a flame with our hands and - in our effort - getting burned. And soon, it runs out of oxygen, and then ... what do we have left? So really - why not just let it shine?

D&C 58:27 – “Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.”

The key phrase in that scripture is definitely 'of their own free will.' When we're pushed and prodded into doing things, we may do them, but how much do we get out of them? We need to make serving the Lord our priority, do it because we desire it, and show our Father that it means something to us.

We all start out this life as children - learning. We learn from our parents, teachers, friends, family, and - as we grow - we begin to find our passions and the directions where we want to go. But we learn. And eventually, we've learned enough that we can teach. And who doesn't want to get to that point - where we can help others know what we know? That's such a special experience.

The same can be said for receiving and giving. In the beginning, we rely on our parents and others for our physical welfare. But as we grow and learn and begin to take care of ourselves, we find opportunities to give - and giving is one of the best feelings ever. We aren't meant to just stay on one level. This life is meant for progress. So don't be afraid to move on to the teaching phase, or to give of your time, talents, and other things. Dare to serve others.

They say that if you give a man a fish, he has food for a day. But if you teach a man to fish, he has food for a lifetime. But the catch? He has to want to fish. He has to act on what you've taught him. He has to want to care for himself. There is such generosity in the world and in the Church, but someday I think we'll all get chances to give back. Let's take them. :)

Moses 5:1 – “And it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, that Adam began to till the earth, and to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him. And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him.” – Even from the beginning, we were meant to work together. So much more can be done when we’re united. We have such wonderful people here - in our families, wards, groups of friends, and the family of God's children in general. We're in this together. So let's remember that and help each other. What goes around comes around, right? :)

Things are always more valuable when we put effort into them. Relationships, projects, goals - whatever it is that's important to us. It becomes more important to us when we give part of ourselves to that cause. We invest and later reap the rewards, whatever they may be.

“Work is a blessing from God. It is a fundamental principle of salvation, both spiritual and temporal. When Adam was driven from his garden home, he was told that his bread must be produced by his physical toil, by the sweat of his brow. Note carefully the words: “Cursed shall be the ground for thy sake” (Moses 4:23), that is, for his good or benefit. It would not be easy to master the earth; but that was his challenge and his blessing, as it is ours.” – J. Richard Clarke

God made this world for us. Not for His entertainment. Not to show His power. Nothing selfish, but instead ... for us. It is our gift, and we must use it wisely.

“… You are sojourning (children) of God who have been invited to take the path that leads home. There, morticians will find theirs is not the only occupation to become obsolete. But the capacity to work and work wisely will never become obsolete. And neither will the ability to learn. Meanwhile … I have not seen any perspiration-free shortcuts to the celestial kingdom; there is no easy escalator to take us there.” – Neal A. Maxwell

Work doesn't end with this life. It may be a different kind of work, but it will go on forever - so what we do and learn in this life really does count.

“Behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39) – What God does is work, and it’s a sacred work. And it's for us.

President David O. McKay said, “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to 

work is a blessing, that the love of work is success.”

“Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25) Work is a key to full joy in the plan of God. Think of how happy you feel when you serve - even when you bring someone the smallest smile. Really, isn't that what it's all about? Little things can change lives, as well as big things.

“We should each find the proper balance between work, recreation, and rest. There is an old saying: “Doing nothing is the hardest work of all, because one can never stop to rest.” Without work, rest and relaxation have no meaning.” (Gospel Principles)

"Our attitude toward work is very important. The following story shows how one man saw beyond his daily labor. A traveler passed a stone quarry and saw three men working. He asked each man what he was doing. Each man’s answer revealed a different attitude toward the same job. “I am cutting stone,” the first man answered. The second replied, “I am earning three gold pieces per day.” The third man smiled and said, “I am helping to build a house of God.” (Gospel Principles)

We have to remember the big picture, and think about what we're doing and how it serves the world - and God. Don't focus on how hard it is, but instead on how God is giving you strength to prevail. <3 Let us all put forth our best efforts to build the Kingdom of God, and His (our) family. I challenge you all to pray for service and missionary opportunities. Make this life count. Live it, love it, and remember: this is His work and His glory. It matters to Him, too - every bit of it.

He loves us unconditionally, and He will help us in all that we must do.

I love you all! Have a great evening.

Bonnie Gwyn <3