HOW IT WORKS
In times of rapid growth and complexity, Joseph Smith was asked how he was able to lead and organize people from many backgrounds, with limited resources and without constant control. His answer was simple and enduring:
“I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.”
— Joseph Smith
This same approach underlies how Joy Standard sister communities work today. True principles invite agency, responsibility, creativity, and growth.
Organize
“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.” -Doctrine & Covenants 88:119
The Joy Standard works the same way the gospel has always worked:
one person coming to Christ at a time.
Everything else grows outward from there.
It begins with the individual.
Change does not start with systems.
It starts with hearts.
As individuals come to Christ, they begin to align:
- their mindset with truth
- their attitude with humility and love
- their lifestyle with obedience and covenant
This alignment brings peace and clarity — and peace naturally influences others.
It grows through relationships.
What is lived consistently cannot be hidden.
As individuals change, that influence extends naturally to:
- spouses
- children
- extended family
- church community
- school and learning communities
- neighborhoods and society
- Not through pressure — but through example.
- It is strengthened through shared living.
When families and communities gather around true principles:
- responsibility is shared
- creativity is encouraged
- leadership develops naturally
- order is maintained without force
People are free to create, build, teach, serve, and lead.
It multiplies without losing integrity.
Because this model is principle-based rather than program-based, it can:
adapt to different cultures and communities
remain aligned without rigidity
The influence expands, but the center stays the same: Christ.
In short
Why it works: it is based on eternal, true principles.
How it works: people come to Christ, live His gospel, and allow that light to spread naturally through their lives and communities.
It is simply truth, lived together.