The Lord values work. He knows it’s good for us to work for what we have whenever possible and bad for us to do nothing or to expect others to care for us.
In the Book of Mormon, we see on a regular basis the value of hard work to the Lord. Nephi, the first writer of the Book of Mormon, was forced to take his family and followers and move away from their home. His two older brothers were increasing their efforts to kill him and, with the help of those who supported them, to torment the branch of the family that followed God’s teachings.
They packed what they could and journeyed into the wilderness until they came to a safe place.
10 And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.
11 And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind. (2 Nephi 5)
Nephi, who was always a wise leader, taught his people to work with the rich supply of natural resources. “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious, and to labor with their hands. (2 Nephi 5:17)
Their lives became comfortable as a result of their work. In contrast, his older brother’s group, known as the Lamanites, “did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey.” This is not to say hunting was wrong. During the family’s initial journeys to the new homeland, it was Nephi who was a mighty hunter, and came with a fine bow, showing he had been trained in hunting prior to their exodus. Rather, it’s that they depended entirely on hunting for their food. They didn’t bother to plant crops, raise stock, or do any other hard work necessary to create a proper life. Instead, they went off on hunting trips, which were probably as much fun as they were necessary and depended on whatever they could find to eat.
This created an unstable environment, and often, over time, they would face hardship, since meat was not always to be found.
Today, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , sometimes known as Mormons, are advised to be as self-sufficient as possible, and to succeed through hard work. Where hard work isn’t enough or possible, the church often steps in to help. However, when we can, we try to take care of ourselves. We’re encouraged to plant gardens, store away enough food to get us through emergencies, and to obtain an education that will allow us the ability to find work.
Following the example Nephi set in his leadership, we try to be industrious people, which helps us to develop the qualities God wants us to find in ourselves, and to care for ourselves as far as possible before asking for help. We have a sense of security when we do this, and pride in what we’ve accomplished.
For more on this subject, visit LDS.org’s Provident Living section.
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
