Joint Lesson on Provident Living
Today we had a combined meeting at church. In being combined, I am referring to having both the Priesthood and Relief Society together for the lesson. The lesson was taught by the Bishop.
The Bishop basically expounded on a talk by Elder Robert D Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The original talk is found here Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually.
I would like to point out some of the main points that were discussed by the Bishop.
Brothers and sisters, as did President Monson, our children are growing up in times of economic uncertainty. Just as our grandparents and great-grandparents learned vital lessons through economic adversity, what we learn now, in our present circumstances, can bless us and our posterity for generations to come.
Depression Effect
The generation that grew up during the Depression tended to have very thrifty habits regarding the spending of money. They learned during those days the importance of living within your means. It is quite possible that our nation may go through several years of rough economic times. By having our children participate in our scaling back and living providently, they will remember it and become blessed by it for years to come.
Debt and Addiction
It is interesting to note that Elder Hales places debt in the same category as addiction. In a very real sense, debt is often caused by our unwillingness to exercise self control. Failure to exercise self control is the stemming cause of individuals being caught in the snares of addiction to foods, drugs, pornography, and other patterns of behavior that diminish ones self worth. When we get caught in these snares, we must turn to the Lord and follow his commandments. We must repent.
What is a Provident Provider
Provident living means:
- Joyfully living within our means
- Being content with what we have
- Avoiding excessive debt
- Diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies
By living providently, we can provide for our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others.
On Budgeting, Love and Personal Growth
It has been shown that in most families, one person runs the budget and the other simply follows in it (hopefully). It is very important that both spouses in the marriage go over the budget together.
Quite often people want to show their love to their spouse by buying things for them. However, it is not wise to blindly do these purchases. Sometimes the words “I love you” are very important whereas the words, “we cannot afford it” are an even greater expression of love. The budget needs to be a joint activity.
Tithing and the Fast Offering is another way that we learn provident living. By paying our tithes, we develop our faith in the Father and the Son. Tithing helps us to overcome the desires for the things of the world as we willingly make sacrifices for others.
While the Tithing money goes straight to Salt Lake City, the Fast Offering is used locally. The Bishop pointed out the joy that he receives when members of the ward have called him in their need and he has been able to draw from the Fast Offering to provide that immediate “Real Need” for the family.