Preparation is Biblical

The Government is telling the citizens to get ready and to prepare to survive a disaster, and some churches like the Latter Day Saints (LDS) tell their followers to prepare. Unfortunately, many Christians think that preparedness is a sign of a lack of faith. All too often when encouraged to put aside some food and water, their response is that "God will take care of me." That's fine, but are you any more worthy than Joseph or Noah? There are many examples in the Bible of Godly people who prepared.

Joseph Prepared

Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. His recommendation was that for the entire seven years of plenty they save a good portion of the harvest and set it aside for the seven lean years. This resulted in the saving of his own father and brothers when they came to Egypt to buy food.

Noah Prepared

Noah was told by God that there was going to be a flood. Not only did he build a boat, but he also gathered food and supplies, enough to sustain not only his family, but all of the animals. Jesus, when speaking to His followers about the end times, mentioned Noah (Matt 24:37-29, and in Hebrews 11:7, we see that "Noah...prepared...to the saving of his house..." He prepared to the saving of his house, so shouldn't those who find themselves in the time of the fulfillment of end-times prophecy also prepare?

Prepare in Summer

Pro 30:25 "The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;" Does anyone who is watching the news have any doubt that the world is in trouble? Is it possible that the summer of prosperity and affluence is ending, and that the time to prepare is even now coming to a close?

Parable of Ten Virgins

When the Bible was written, it was not separated into Chapters and verses, so we can see that the parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25 is part of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 where Christ is answering the disciples' questions about what would occur in the end. The parable tells about ten virgins (or bridesmaids) that fell asleep while waiting for the bridegroom to come for his bride. When they woke up five of the young ladies discovered that while they slept their lamps burned up all the oil and their lamps were empty. On the other hand, the other five girls had brought extra oil, so while their lamps had also burned out, they were able to refill their lamps.

How does that pertain to preparedness? In Matthew 25:4, it says the wise took oil, which was olive oil, in their "vessels" which implies a pail carried on a bail over the arm. Olive oil was a multi-purpose oil used in lighting, cooking, medicine/healing, grooming, and spiritual (anointing)...so preparation is more than spiritual it is also practical: lights (lanterns, fire starting), cooking/eating implies food, medicine implies first aid, grooming implies physical/body care as well as being prepared by knowing the Word.

Helping Others

Another reason to be prepared is also located in Matthew 25, in verse 35 "For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in". If we have not prepared, how are we going to be able to feed the hungry, clothe the naked or give them to drink?

Excusing your lack of preparedness as a matter of faith is ridiculous. It is obvious that the Bible teaches preparation not only by example, but also by command. So perhaps you need to examine what your true motive is behind not preparing. If you are honest, you may well admit that your lack of preparedness has more to do with wanting to spend your money on your own enjoyment in the now, rather than possibly having to deny your wants to prepare for your family's future needs.