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Fear Not, Little Flock
As Latter-day Saints, we are constantly asked and reminded to do our best to be self-reliant and to provide for our needs. The challenges that have recently come into our lives, as a result of the pandemic or any other circumstance, may make us pessimistic and make us think, like Laman and Lemuel that this is a difficult task. However, we must not forget the loving exhortation of a Savior who knows what it is to live in challenging times: “Fear not, little flock” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:34).
The Lord has said that He has never given a law that was temporal; for Him everything is spiritual, and, as his children, He invites us to seek excellence. But how can we achieve it if our future looks uncertain or if we live in a country with few opportunities? If this is how we feel, then we must nurture and strengthen our spirit by putting into practice the principles we have learned about welfare and self-reliance. Zion is not in a more advanced country; Zion is where I am if I have the vision to work for the establishment of the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.
It is vital that we determine where we are and that we visualize what we want to achieve in life. Then we can move forward by keeping the commandments, setting realistic goals to improve our skills and striving to deliver quality work, paying our tithes and offerings to open the windows of heaven, and worshipping in the temple for guidance and inspiration. Also, we need to pray and read the scriptures to have the companionship of the Holy Spirit so that opportunities and miracles can come into our lives. It is the promise that we have received as children of God: “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7).
Our desire to be self-reliant to bless others and improve our environment must be greater than our fear of failure. Let us remember one of the characteristics of God’s people: “There was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). The citizens of Zion bless their communities, they are great entrepreneurs and excellent employees. Because we are mortal beings, doubt can always come in the face of the many challenges we will experience in establishing Zion from where we are. When those difficult times come, and they surely will come, we will see the greenest grass in the garden of a distant country, nurture our faith, and hold fast to the principles that have been taught to us. Let us remember the comforting words of the One who knows the fears and fragility of the human being: “It is my purpose to provide for my saints” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:15), trust, and “know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).