Self Reliance Principle #12: Temple Ordinances

The 12th and last principle of self reliance is to attend the temple. At first, this may sound like a strange one, but let me try to explain.

For my non-LDS readers, I'll point out that temple attendance represents that which is most important to members of my church. For example, I place a lot of value on the temple marriage between my spouse and me, knowing that it will ensure an eternal existence together in the next life. If I can't be with my family, then what else matters?

Though you may not belong to this church, you undoubtedly have something else that you consider to be most important. Perhaps it's something related to your own church, or your family, or something you've accomplished.

Once you've identified what's most important, you must then do whatever it takes to remember that -- to strengthen it, obtain it, achieve it, or cherish it.

Going back to LDS temples -- these are few, scattered around the world -- less than 200 total. So, in many places, it becomes a sacrifice in and of itself to attend the temple. In my case, it usually takes ninety minutes one way to get to the nearest temple. Though, now that it's closed for renovation, the next closest one is three hours away. With my busy schedule, it's a real sacrifice to go on such a trip.

For many people, the trip itself can also be a big financial burden -- especially outside of the US. So, planning such a trip may, itself, require exercising all the other self reliance principles.

The lesson manual points out several times that "insignificant things" can distract us from what's most important. These are things that pop up every now and then that seem important, to which we may devote much time while losing track of what's really important. Perhaps it's frustrations at work, or an argument with a friend. Or perhaps it's a fun diversion that wastes time.

Whatever pops up, we're best off to continually remember what's really important. For example, in the movie It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey became so preoccupied with his problems that he quickly forgot how important he was in everyone else's lives.

So, there you go ... remember what's important, and you will do well. You will then naturally want to follow all of the other principles of self reliance, and you will succeed.