Self-reliance is central

Friends of mine sometimes notice that they hear more and more about Mormons lately. Now, I think that they are primarily more sensitive to the topic because they know it is so important to me, but on the other hand, it is true that you hear about Mormons more often, especially in business.

Mormons are indeed often successful in what they do, no matter how big or small. This is primarily because in our Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation we have a clear mission here on earth: we are here to learn, acquire knowledge, do our best, and make a choice whether or not we believe in Jesus Christ.

If I may now focus on that part about learning, acquiring knowledge, and gaining experience. I cannot explain it better than Jesus himself did in the parable of the talents:

The message is clear. We all receive different opportunities, several skills. One is more or differently talented than another. It is not important to Heavenly Father how much we have, but that we get to work with what we have and what we can do. Just as in the parable, Mormons learn that to whom much is given, much responsibility is also given, and consequently much is expected of them. Mormons consider themselves fortunate to have received the restoration of the gospel and therefore realize that more is expected of them.

That is why Mormons place so much emphasis on studies and self-reliance. We are here on earth to learn to make decisions. Decisions that must lead to a good life. Dealing with worldly matters is also part of that. Indeed, in the Scriptures we read that if you cannot deal well with worldly matters, Heavenly Father will certainly not entrust us with heavenly matters.

That's why Mormons keep studying. That is already clear from our Sunday meetings. Young and old: we all receive lessons every Sunday, multiple lessons even. And in a cycle, the same topics return. For teenagers, there is also the seminary (a daily lesson on various topics) and for young adults, there is the institute.

Two years on a mission

Another element is that Mormon boys (and to a lesser extent girls) are asked to go on a mission. For two years, they lead a life completely dedicated to God with a very challenging task: convincing other people to discover the gospel of Christ as well. They do this in a strict schedule, where every day also begins with lesson moments. You should read what a successful Mormon entrepreneur wrote about how his mission helped him become a better entrepreneur.

I am convinced that this rite of passage from youth to adulthood greatly helps to prepare a young person for further studies. If you have had the discipline for two years to motivate yourself every day to study and work hard, then you have an undeniable advantage over others who go straight from secondary school (or high school) to university.

Self-reliance

As Mormons, we simply learn that we must do our best. We also learn that setbacks may not be pleasant, but they also offer us opportunities. From setbacks, we can learn and become stronger.

We learn by trial and error. A setback should not stop us. Mormons proudly look back at the adversities the pioneers of our faith faced, the losses they suffered, and the hardships they endured. Without wanting to delve deep into history, I'll just say this: did you know that in the US, an official extermination order was given only once, and it wasn't about Native Americans (or  native americans) but about Mormons?

Of course, there are also setbacks that you cannot simply overcome yourself. The examples are endless, but let's just think of illness, for example. A serious illness can undermine the breadwinner of a family, for example. But even then, the strength of a community that lives according to the example of Jesus Christ becomes apparent. No one is left to their fate. Every active Mormon gives a monthly fast offering, and that money is solely available to help the weaker ones. I can personally testify that members of ourchurch who, for example, lost their jobs during the crisis, were not left to their fate. Crisis aid may first consist of going shopping together, but we never forget the idea of self-reliance. Suppose someone becomes unemployed and makes no effort at all to find new work, then they will not be able to continuously rely on help from the community. But on the other hand, the community will also provide non-material help, for example by jointly looking for another job or providing training so that theperson can retrain or upskill.

Accountability

Just as in the parable, we will one day have to give an account.  “What have you done with the talents I have given you,” Christ will ask us. If we have used them to learn, provide for a good life, support our family, and help others, then His answer will be  “well done; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.”

That accountability ensures Mormons care: care for themselves, care for their family, care for their neighbors and care for the world. It is simply ingrained in the DNA of our faith.