In a book entitled Emergency Preparedness and Survival Guide, author Gary F. Arnet mentions the problem of complacency in our society. He referenced as an example people lining up in California after an earthquake for Band-Aids. Band-Aids!
As Mormons, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe the scriptures to be the word of God. We believe the Bible contains the word of God inasmuch as it is translated correctly, and we believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. We read the scriptures and we value them.
This is why preparedness is such an important issue to us. The scriptures are replete with information about the final days before Christ comes. Of course, no one knows the exact hour of His coming (the scriptures teach us this). But we have been instructed through the word of God that prior to His coming things will become severe, causing “men’s hearts failing them.” Thus, we do not want to be complacent.
The prophets have taught throughout the ages, though, that those who are prepared will not fear. That is why we as Mormons seek to be prepared. We desire to be prepared spiritually and we desired to be prepared temporally. Are we perfect in these applications? Of course not! Only the Lord is perfect. But because we love Him, we seek to follow His words.
And so we seek preparedness, because He has advised all those who love Him to watch and to be ready (see the parable of the ten virgins).
What are some of those ways to be ready? Below are a few suggestions. But first, a few questions … because I’d really love to hear from you. How are you doing? What would you like to see change in your life? What suggestions would you make for others? Is there something you’ve done that has helped you a great deal? Feel free to comment and strengthen us all!
Here are some suggestions of preparedness. Remember, it is difficult to get prepared overnight. That is why preparedness is a spiritual lifestyle … not a one time event. Let’s get busy, so we can please our Lord by heeding His words to be prepared!
Preparedness Areas (can you think of others?):
- Spiritual Preparedness
- Medical Preparedness (having sufficient medicines and/or equipment on hand)
- Food Preparedness (this means both 72-hour kit and year’s supply)
- Emotional Preparedness (studies have shown we can increase our emotional hardiness – I’d love to hear how you have experienced this)
- Skill Preparedness (do you have skills to live off the land if grocery stores were unable to function for a time?)
- Social Preparedness (this could also be called Community Preparedness – how have you helped your community or neighborhood be prepared for emergencies?)
- Physical Preparedness (this is linked to Medical Prep in some ways, but are you exercising daily to ready your heart and other body systems for unseen challenges?)
- Home Preparedness (this is something those in hurricane areas understand all too well – are trees trimmed, etc?)
- Job Preparedness (is your resume up-to-date or if a business owner, is your business insured?)
- Important Papers (is your life insurance up-to-date for all family members, do you have your important papers all in one place, etc)
As you can see, if one were to attempt all these categories in one day, we’d fall over in a dead faint! That is why it is advisable to set weekly goals and work to achieve them – little by little soon becomes a lot! That way, when the end of the year rolls around, your preparedness will be at an even healthier state than the year prior!
Author Gary F. Arnet had bemoaned the of society in his book, Emergency Preparedness and Survival Guide. Well, hopefully as Mormons and those who seek to be wise, we’re not complacent. Hopefully, we get up each morning and sometime during the day move one tiny step closer toward a truly prepared lifestyle and way of living.
For indeed the Lord has advised us against complacency through the parable of the ten virgins (and in other teachings).
Let’s do this together! Let’s get prepared. Then we need not fear if a sudden tragedy struck. For more information, feel free to visit the Provident Living website.
