equally fundamental to self-reliance

In the Church, the concept of providing for one's family and of relying on one's family for growth, mutual care, and help--or family reliance--is equally fundamental to self-reliance. The family is the basic organizational unit of the Church. No agency or institution can or should replace the family. By sacred covenant and eternal priesthood government, the eternal family unit is established. By virtue of the commitment made as a part of that covenant, husbands are obligated to provide for their families. Thus, in the words of the Lord:

'Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken.'

'All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are
of age.' (D&C 85:2, 4)

And through Paul the Apostle we have the sentiment: 'But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.' (1 Tim. 5:8.)

Next to one's own self, the responsibility, the blessing, and great opportunity for lovingly sustaining an individual until he or she leaves mortality rests upon his or her family--parents for their children, children for their parents. The same covenant that obligates parents to care for their children also obligates children to care for their parents when they need it. The commandment to 'honor thy father and thy mother' extends to modern Israel and is required for all who are faithful members of the Church.

Marion G. Romney, "Principles of Temporal Salvation," Ensign, Apr. 1981, 4