Conference, April 2009

Elder Hales, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, discussed being provident providers both temporally and spiritually. Here are some highlights:

There are consequence to unnecessary debt and excessive living. We can reach a level of living that leads to depression, affects our self-worth, and affects "our relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the Lord . . . . We do not have the time, energy, or interest to seek spiritual things."

So how do we address any covetous or any attribute that leads us to excesses? Elder Hales suggests that we reflect first, on whether we can afford an item, and second, even if we can afford it, on whether we need that item--we can ask whether we are thinking more our personal desires or the needs of our families. 

Further, we should make sure we are full tithe payers and strive to communicate about finances with spouses and children (e.g., teaching essential financial principles such as making a budget) in settings such as family council. In a family counsel, we can set a goal, such as a "dream vacation," and use that goal as a tool to put a check on current expenditures.

Finally, I want to mention that throughout his talk, Elder Hales reminds us of the love and support of the Savior. He "assure[s us] that [our] situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior" but also directs us that "[w]e must want, more than anything else, to do our Heavenly Father's will and providently provide for ourselves and others. We must say, as did King Lamoni's father, 'I will give away all my sins to know thee.'" Further, Elder Hales testifies "that the appetite to posess wordly things can only be overcome by turning to the Lord."

I testify that regardless of the financial situation that we are in, I know that the Lord loves each one of us. I pray that we as ward members can strive to improve any problems areas that we may have.