The economic turbulence associated with today's market has spurred a revival in Great Depression Era survivalism. From cities to suburbs to mountain hideaways, Americans are turning to stockpiling and self-sufficiency in order to secure their future. And although Christian prophecies have inspired Christians to make up a large cross section of the survivalist movement, the church has been largely silent in regard to this growing tendency. So just what is the church's role in crisis preparedness?
Contrary to the opinion of many, preparedness is not an amoral issue, and there are implications for the Christian church. Scriptures are not silent regarding preparation for perilous times. Consider the following Biblical teachings, and the profound impact they might have upon the Christian church.
Joseph: A Lesson In Crisis Preparedness
Thousands of years ago, before survival kits or crank radios or MREs, God inspired one man to store enough provisions to feed an entire nation for seven years.
The story of Joseph is not new to most Christians. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Then, gaining the favor of his master (no less than an officer of the Pharaoh himself), Joseph became the trusted overseer of all of his master's house.
After Joseph was unrighteously cast into prison, he was later summoned to interpret the dreams of the Pharaoh - dreams that signified the coming of seven years of famine. But Joseph did more than just interpret the dreams. Genesis 41:35-36 recounts how he offered to Pharaoh a plan for survival for all the land:
35 "And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities."
36 "And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine."
It was through this plan, this preparation, that God worked to sustain not only His people, but all of the nations that looked to Joseph for help. Verses 54-57 recall this quite clearly:
54 "And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
55 "And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians; Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
56 "And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
57 "And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
It is clear here that Joseph's trust in God did not lead him to simply sit and wait for sustenance to fall in his lap. On the contrary, Joseph's trust in God led him to prepare. With the same wisdom that led Joseph to sustain God's people through seven years of famine, we prepare to sustain our families, friends, and neighbors through any coming turbulence. And perhaps the seven years of famine in Egypt is a picture of the coming seven years of tribulation. If we follow Joseph's model, we will surely prepare for it.
Proverbial Crisis Preparedness
Almost any real, Bible-believing Christian would agree that the book of Proverbs is intended as a guidebook for Godly living; a resource for making wise and insightful choices. So wouldn't it logically follow that a believer should follow any of the book's advice regarding preparation? Here's a bit of what the authors had to say:
Proverbs 22:3 "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."
Proverbs 21:5 "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
Proverbs 12:27 "The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious."
Proverbs 10:5 "He that gathereth in the summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame."
These passages are simple and clear. It is the prudent person who "takes precautions", who prepares for perilous times. But it is the simpleton who goes on blindly. Although we should always trust in God to provide, we must use the wisdom and revelation he has given us. Just as we work to provide food for today, we should work to provide food for tomorrow.
With the curse of Genesis 3, man incurred the responsibility for eating bread "by the sweat of [his] face". If providing food for ourselves and our families is our God-ordained responsibility, why would we not also provide that food for the time of trial and tribulation which God promises will come to mankind?
Preparedness implications for pre-, mid-, and post- tribulation rapture theories
In the event of a mid- or post-tribulation rapture, the case for preparedness is simple and clear. Mark 13 and Matthew 24 both speak of "wars and rumors of wars", "great tribulation", famines, and pestilences - all associated with the Great Tribulation. And so if the church anticipates either of these possibilities, preparedness is the logical conclusion.
But in the case of pre-tribulation rapture doctrines, the conventional wisdom holds that Christians will be spared the "pestilences" and "famines". However, this may not be the case.
In order for the tribulation to be ushered in, the world must first see global despotism, an increase in natural disasters, and conflicts in the Middle East in global scope and reach. With this information in mind, it is rational to assume that even in the event of a pre-tribulation rapture, Christians will experience perilous times of some sort before they are taken away from this world.
What this means for the church
As in all cases, the church is expected to apply Biblical principles to daily life. In the face of impending adversities associated with economic unrest (and the possibility of a depression), significant conflicts in Mexico and around the world, nuclear proliferation, and a growing global food shortage; the church must instill in its members the Biblical principles associated with preparedness.
What's more, the church is given a commission to care for the afflicted, the needy, and the "poor and the fatherless". This may be difficult if the church members find themselves standing in bread lines along with the rest of the world. If we are to be given to Christian charity, there may be utility in storing food and water in anticipation of the possibility for turbulence and unrest, so that we may exercise that charity when it is needed most. After all, when can the need for charity be greater than when one's survival depends upon it?
If Christians truly are "led of the Spirit", we should find ourselves living according to Godly wisdom. A virtuous and Spirit-led church body will emulate the "prudent person" of Proverbs 22 who, "foresees danger and takes precautions", and will surely teach the same among its membership. Those that continue to spend their money irresponsibly and resist the preparedness characteristic of Joseph may find themselves without legitimacy - or even the means - in ministering to the lost.
