Talk

Today I had to give a talk in church on work and self reliance. I got nervous before the talk. here is my talk

Hi, My name is Scott McMillan and I am talking on work and  self reliance, principles from the strength of youth book.

First, I want to thank my parents who wrote most of the talk for me. Just Kidding. That would actually be the opposite of being self reliant.  

What is self reliance? According to Lds.org, our church website, self reliance is when you use the talents that God has given you to try to solve your own problems. Some might think you have to do everything yourself to be self reliant but that isn’t true.  You do not have to do everything yourself to be fully self reliant. You should do your best, know how to work with others, ask for help when needed and remember to ask God for help.

One example of this in my life recently was trying out for Jazz Band.  For years I have worked hard to learn how to play the piano. I set my alarm each morning to get up before school to practice. My dad helps me practice each morning.  Sister Krey helped my dad by playing the song for him. My neighbor who is in Jazz band listened to me play and gave me some good tips. I worked hard to develop my talent but also was helped by a lot of people.  I also prayed before the audition for help and know the Lord helped me. I made it back for call backs and get to work and practice even more which I am not that excited about but I guess is a good thing to learn how to work hard instead of play video games all day.   

Work is how you become self reliant. Self reliance does not come easily but you can achieve it through hard work.

How can we learn self reliance?  We learn how to work in our own homes.  For example, you could help you family and not throw a tantrum every time you have to wash the dishes. My mom would be really appreciative of that.  You should also learn how to pay your tithing, avoid debt, and live within your means. Set high goals for yourself and be ready to work hard to achieve them.

One example of hard work in my family is my Great Grandpa, Ga. He came to the United States from Germany right before World War 2 with very little money. His uncle sponsored him when he first came to America. His uncle made sure he had food, a place to live, helped him learn english and helped him get a job. Ga then started working in a small flower shop. He grew up on a farm so knew how to take care of land and thought this would be a nice job.  He worked really hard and saved all his leftover money. He married my great grandmother, Granny and together they would make soap from leftover fat and grease from their food. While working at the flower shop, he asked wealthy people if he could take care of their yards and started a side business. He kept saving his money until he had enough to buy the flower shop. Eventually, he saved even more money and built a nursery on Long Island. His nursery became very successful.  

My grandpa, Ga’s son, also learned how to work really hard by helping on the nursery.  He was taught to work hard at a young age and to do well in school because nobody have ever had the chance to go to college in their family.  My great grandfather, Ga, eventually sold his nursery and retired to Malibu right by the beach which he loved. He is a great example to all us of hard work and self reliance.  

When my grandpa was dying, he told my dad that he reminded him a lot of his dad of how hard he works and how he saves and that meant a lot to my dad.  It has inspired him to buy his businesses, work really hard and save his money.

Doctrine covenants 75:29 states Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways

We need to be diligent in all we do.  If we are not we can repent and change.

Dieter Uchtdof said, “How the Lord loves the laborer!”  in his october 2009 talk on the Two Principles for Any Economy.   The lord loves those who work.

Elder Stephen B oveson said in his January 2007 new era article, “One important need I see for you, today’s young people, is to learn how to work.” We should learn how to work in our youth.

The Lord will bless us if we learn how to work and take care of ourselves, leading to self reliance. I challenge all of us to work just a little harder this week. This might be waking up earlier to go to the gym or reading scriptures. Be a little better today than yesterday.

I know as we learn to work we will become more like God and be better people.  In the name of Jesus Christ amen.