“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness”. Romans 1:18
Self-reliance is defined as “the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family.”1
Striving to be self-reliant…will strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and joyfully bind us to Him through the covenants and ordinances of salvation and exaltation.” — Hugo Martinez
Proverbs 3:5-7 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
Contrary to what Mr. Martinez claimed true followers of the Lord cannot provide spiritual necessities of life for self, or their family. Besides all that, a true believer wouldn’t entertain the idea of doing such a thing.
Interestingly enough (or maybe not!) the idea of self-reliance became a wildly popular idea by Ralph Waldo Emerson. He published his first essay on this theory in 1841, but had other works floating around about this back to 1832. The eastern seaboard of the US was inundated with his works and personal appearances. See Self-reliance for more info.
Lastly, Mr. Martinez’s definition is another lie. Dictionary.com defines self-reliance as ‘reliance on oneself or one’s own powers, resources, etc.’.
Remember the words of our Savior who said a house divided cannot stand — Mark 3:25. Why would you believe in Jesus if you can provide for yourself spiritually?
We’re praying those who listened to this guy will reject all that he said and they’ll look to Him who saves!
With Love in Christ —
Michelle
1.General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 22.0, ChurchofJesusChrist.org.