I believe finances are essential for our spiritual and emotional well being. I understand more fully why the church requires its members to seek to be self-sufficient/reliant. Being financially responsible is a commandments, the Lord requires that His children to honor their debts and live within their means. Learning to have financial self restraint helps us slowly learn to live the Law of Consecration. It also prepares the members when they are serving missions.
1. In Any Circumstances
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2014 General Conference:
Sunday Morning Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances?lang=eng
“When we are grateful
to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in
the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise.
In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we
can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.”
2. In Any Circumstances
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2014 General Conference:
Sunday Morning Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances?lang=eng
“We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our
problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do
we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?
Being grateful in times of distress does not mean
that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that
through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges.
This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a
gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind.”
3. Forget me not
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2011 General Relief
Society Meeting, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/forget-me-not?lang=eng&query=forget+me+not
“So many people today are waiting for their own golden
ticket—the ticket that they believe holds the key to the happiness they have
always dreamed about. For some, the golden ticket may be a perfect marriage;
for others, a magazine-cover home or perhaps freedom from stress or worry.
There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings—we hope and
seek after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or
praiseworthy.”4 The problem comes when we put
our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event—our golden ticket—to
appear.”
4. Earthly
Debts, Heavenly Debts
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2004
General Conference: Saturday Afternoon Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts?lang=eng&query=finances
“Others
are in financial bondage because they have not learned to discipline themselves
and control their impulses to spend. Consequently, they have made unwise
financial choices.”
5.
Earthly
Debts, Heavenly Debts
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2004
General Conference: Saturday Afternoon Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts?lang=eng&query=finances
“Those
who live safely within their means know how much money comes in each month, and
even though it is difficult, they discipline themselves to spend less than that
amount.”
6.
The
Lord’s Richest Blessings
Elder Karl B. Pratt, April 2011 General
Conference: Sunday Afternoon Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-lords-richest-blessings?lang=eng&query=finances
“This is what the Lord expects of all
His people. He expects us to pay tithing not from our abundance nor from the
“leftovers” of the family budget but, as He commanded anciently, from the
“firstlings” of our income, be it scarce or abounding.”
7.
The
Lord’s Richest Blessings
Elder Karl B. Pratt, April 2011 General
Conference: Sunday Afternoon Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-lords-richest-blessings?lang=eng&query=finances
“I testify that He fulfills His
promises, and if we faithfully pay our tithing, we will not lack for the
necessities of life, but He does not promise wealth. Money and bank accounts
are not His richest blessings.”
8.
Couple
Missionaries: A Time to Serve
Elder Robert D. Hales, April 2001
General Conference: Saturday Afternoon Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/couple-missionaries-a-time-to-serve?lang=eng&query=finances
“To younger couples with children still
at home, I urge you now to decide to serve in your later years and to plan and
prepare so you are financially, physically, and spiritually able.”
9.
Couple
Missionaries: A Time to Serve
Elder Robert D. Hales, April 2001
General Conference: Saturday Afternoon Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/couple-missionaries-a-time-to-serve?lang=eng&query=finances
“Sit
down with your companion, make an inventory of your health, financial
resources, and unique gifts and talents. Then, if all is in order, go to your
bishop and say, “We’re ready.” You may feel it is improper to approach your
bishop or branch president about your desires to serve a mission.”
10.
Providing
for Our Needs
Elder M. Russell Ballard, April 1981
General Conference: Welfare Session, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/04/providing-for-our-needs?lang=eng&query=finances
“Brothers and sisters, what can we do to
improve our family finances? May I suggest three important keys that will
help us. They are attitude, planning, and self-discipline.”
