As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons), we believe in being prepared. Why? Well, frankly because we believe the scriptures. The scriptures were given to us through the Lord’s mouthpieces, the prophets.
Those scriptures contain great words of wisdom, counsel, and yes, even admonishment. They contain warnings of what it would be like living in a time which many call the “latter days.”
The term “latter days” simply is used to differentiate between now and the earlier time in history. In fact, there is even a more precise term, “the last days.” I’m sure you’ve heard of it. It refers to the times leading up to just prior to Jesus Christ’s return to the earth.
And He is returning! It will be a most glorious time – for those who are prepared. That is why as Mormons we work to prepare. We prepare for His coming by seeking to follow His teachings … so that when He comes we will be found diligently serving as He taught to do.
But we also prepare physically, because the scriptures and prophets’ words are replete with description of the raucous and perhaps even frightening times before Christ’s return. Why frightening?
Here are a few scripture references to read to gain an understanding of what surrounds us and will continue to mount in the final days before the Savior’s coming. It’s why we prepare the way we do (or at least strive to). These references are taken from the Bible:
Genesis 49:1
Isaiah 24:20
2 Timothy 3:1
This is why even our modern-day prophets are so busy with words of wisdom such as these:
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“We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.” ~The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1″ (click here for easy access to statement.)
So how are you doing? Do you have a food storage? Water in storage (we can only live three or four days without water)? Do you have a financial storage of sorts?
Don’t worry if you don’t yet have these things begun. Just begin them today and then keep on keeping on in this pathway.
So here’s your activity for today. Go get a glass jar. Then give everyone in the family the assignment to quickly find as many coins as possible throughout the house! Search through doors, coat pockets, old purses, etc. Make it a game.
And then keep it up. Every Monday night for a fun post-Family-Home-Evening activity, why not go on a “lost coin search.” You’ll be surprised how fast your stash-of-cash adds up. By the end of a year, you should have enough at least to pay for an air conditioner repair, a sudden root canal, or any other small emergency. And by living after this manner, you’ll discover the truth about preparedness — it brings peace.
To learn more, visit the Provident Living website.
