Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually

Today is a time of widespread economic crisis. Some feel the effects stronger than others. Some have lost their jobs and/or their homes and some are still employed and have a manageable mortgage. While certain of these effects from the difficult economic times could not and cannot be avoided by some people, many of the effects certainly could have and can be avoided.

The Lord has counseled us to live within our means, to avoid excessive debt, and to not covet or surround ourselves with many wants. Below are listed talks given by the Lord's prophets, apostles, and other general authorities.

• Thomas S. Monson, “True to the Faith,” Ensign, May 2006, 18–21


• Thomas S. Monson, “Constant Truths for Changing Times,” Ensign, May 2005, 19


• Joe J. Christensen, “Greed, Selfishness, and Overindulgence,” Ensign, May 1999, 9


• Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts,” Ensign, May 2004, 40


• Mark E. Petersen, “Blessings in Self-Reliance,” Ensign, May 1981, 61

These are talks devoted at least in part to counseling about debt and living within our means and I could list more. This does not include single statements made by prophets, seers, and revelators on the same topic. To see the numerous times the prophets and apostles have counseled against excessive debt, just search "excessive debt" in General Conference on the LDS.org search.

This week's article of the week is also about provident living and helps us learn how we can live well and be secure during the current economic times. The talk is entitled, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually," and was given by Elder Robert D. Hales at the most recent General Conference; the audio/video is found here.

Also, here is the link to the Church's provident living website which provides information and helps concerning such topics as emplyment, food storage, family finances, physical health, and emergency preparedness.

These current economic times affect each of us differently yet the Lord provides help and answers to each of us in our own unique situations. No matter what happens and no matter our own plight, our Father in Heaven loves us, watches over us, and cares for us. If we turn to Him, our troubles will not seem so harsh and if we do as He asks, we will not be so adversely affected by the troubles of the world.

Jeremy