Work

Questions:

Why and how are successful marriages and families built upon work?

How can I better implement the principle of 'work' in my family?

Quotes:

From the very beginning, the Lord commanded Adam to till the earth and have dominion over the beasts of the field, to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow. I have always been interested in how often the scriptures have admonished us to cease to be idle and to be productive in all of our labors. … Teaching children the joy of honest labor is one of the greatest of all gifts you can bestow upon them. -L. Tom Perry, The Joy of Honest Labor

To this day, I am deeply impressed by the way my family worked after having lost everything following World War II! I remember my father—a civil servant by education and experience—taking on several difficult jobs, among which were coal miner, uranium miner, mechanic, and truck driver. He left early in the morning and often returned late at night in order to support our family. My mother started a laundry service and worked countless hours doing menial labor. She enlisted my sister and me in her business. With my bike I became the pickup and delivery service. It felt good to be able to help the family in a small way, and though I did not know it at the time, the physical labor turned out to be a blessing to my health as well. -Dieter F. Uchdorf, Two Principles for any Economy

By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires. -D. Todd Christofferson, Reflections on a Consecrated Life

Work together as a family, even if it may be faster and easier to do the job ourselves. Talk with our sons and daughters as we work together. -Robert D. Hales, Strengthening Families Our Sacred Duty

Work is always a spiritual necessity even if, for some, work is not an economic necessity. -Neal A. Maxwell, Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel

 
Neal A. Maxwell, Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel


A Father Indeed


Scriptures:

And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work. -2 Nephi 3:8, Book of Mormon

Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known. -Doctrine & Covenants 60:13

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned. -Doctrine & Covenants 58:26-29

Definitions:

Work - activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something; sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result; the labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood; a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity. -Merriam Webster

Work is honorable. Developing the capacity to work will help you contribute to the world in which you live. It will bring you an increased sense of self-worth. It will bless you and your family, both now and in the future. Learning to work begins in the home. Help your family by willingly participating in the work necessary to maintain a home. Learn early to handle your money wisely and live within your means. Follow the teachings of the prophets by paying your tithing, avoiding debt, and saving for the future.One of the blessings of work is developing self-reliance. When you are self-reliant, you use the blessings and abilities God has given you to care for yourself and your family and to find solutions for your own problems. Self-reliance does not mean that you must be able to do all things on your own. To be truly self-reliant, you must learn how to work with others and turn to the Lord for His help and strength. -For the Strength of Youth, (2011), 40–41