Should a Christian be a prepper or in any way be involved with doomsday prepping?
Introduction
Prepping and doomsday prepping have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many Christians wonder if they should get involved. What does the Bible say about preparing for disasters or the end times? This article will examine what Scripture teaches about living wisely and being prepared, while still trusting in God’s sovereignty and provision.
The Heart Behind Prepping
Why do people become preppers in the first place? There are a variety of motivations. Many preppers want to be self-reliant and ready to survive disasters without depending on others. Some anticipate economic collapse, natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises. Others specifically prepare for the end times prophesied in Scripture.
Whatever the motivation, most preppers share a desire to protect and provide for their families. This lines up with biblical values like good stewardship and loving others (1 Timothy 5:8; Galatians 6:10). Wise preparation can be prudent, especially when done in balance. However, taken to an extreme, prepping can be motivated by fear and reflect a lack of trust in God.
Biblical Principles About Preparation
Scripture offers wisdom about living sensibly and preparing for the future while still relying on God. Consider these principles:
1. God calls us to be good stewards of what He gives us. For example, Proverbs 6:6-8 encourages foresight and working diligently. We should manage our resources wisely. Reasonable preparation is prudent stewardship.
2. However, we must avoid loving material things more than God or people (Matthew 6:24-34; Luke 12:13-21). Our security should be in the Lord, not our possessions.
3. Scripture warns against fretting about the future instead of trusting God (Matthew 6:25-34). We are to seek His kingdom rather than living in fear.
4. God calls us to generously share what we have with people in need (Acts 20:35; James 2:14-17). Hoarding violates biblical commands to love others.
5. Christians should live with readiness and sobriety, understanding the times (Matthew 25:1-13; Romans 13:11-14). We cannot ignore signs of coming difficulties or the Lord’s return.
6. Followers of Christ are to live by faith, remembering God’s past provision and trusting Him with the future (Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:19). We can prepare wisely while still relying on Him daily.
Examples of Biblical Preppers
There are several examples in Scripture of people who prepared in godly ways:
Noah – By faithfully building the ark, Noah and his family were saved when the flood came (Hebrews 11:7). His preparations saved those who trusted God’s warning.
Joseph – Through Pharaoh’s dreams, God warned Joseph to prepare for 7 years of famine by storing grain beforehand (Genesis 41). These efforts helped Egypt survive the crisis.
Proverbs 31 woman – This wise woman planted vineyards, saved earnings, strengthened her home, and prepared for the future (Proverbs 31:16-21). Her prudent preparations blessed her household.
Nehemiah – When Jerusalem’s walls were broken down, Nehemiah prayed and made preparations to rebuild them, protecting the people from enemies (Nehemiah 1-2). His planning and work helped restore the city.
In each case, godly people took prudent steps to prepare for coming difficulties, while still relying on the Lord. Their examples offer wisdom for balanced preparation today. They worked in faith, not fear.
Caution About Prepping Extremes
Scripture offers wisdom about living preparedly. However, some preppers go to unwise extremes:
– Accumulating more provisions than they could ever use or share (Luke 12:16-21; James 5:1-6)
– Spending excessive time, money, and energy on preparations that cannot save if God’s judgment comes (Proverbs 11:4)
– Letting fear of future disasters dominate their mindset rather than faith in God’s purposes (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 21:9-11)
– Isolating themselves from community and church family to pursue self-reliance (Hebrews 10:23-25)
– Trusting in their own preparations more than in God’s power and faithfulness (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 3:5-6)
When prepping becomes about self-reliance, isolation, obsession, pride, or greed, it goes against biblical values like generosity, community, and trusting God. As with many good things, prepping can become an idol if taken too far.
Living Wisely and Preparedly
So what are some wise applications for Christians from Scripture’s teaching about living preparedly in the last days without falling into extremes? Consider these suggestions:
– Seek God first and live by faith, not fear (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 11:7).
– Be a good steward of resources, using wisdom and moderation (Proverbs 21:20; Luke 14:28-30; 1 Corinthians 10:23). Prepare prudently.
– Store and share extra provisions to bless others in crises (Proverbs 11:24-26; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Avoid hoarding.
– Develop useful skills and abilities to help others and bless community (Titus 3:14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Imagine potentials beyond just survival.
– Build strong local church community, the Body of Christ, beyond just your family (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:23-25). Pursue interdependence, not independence.
– Make practical preparations while still trusting God each day for provision (Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:11-13,19). God ultimately sustains us.
– Help and give to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46; James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:17-18). Generosity shows the heart of God.
– Live ready for Christ’s return, keeping an eternal perspective (Matthew 24:42-44; Luke 21:34-36). The future is in God’s hands.
With prayer, wisdom, moderation, and faith, Christians can prepare prudently while still giving generously and trusting God wholeheartedly.
Examining Key Prepper Supplies
Given these principles, let’s examine some specific supplies and preparations preppers often focus on:
Food Storage – Storing extra food makes sense for preparedness, as long as it is shared generously when needed and not hoarded (Luke 12:16-21; 1 John 3:17). Canned goods, rice, beans, honey, and other staples can bless others in a crisis. Consider sharing through community food banks.
Water Preparation – In disasters, clean water is essential but often disrupted. Reasonable supplies of water filters, purification tablets, and covered rain barrels can help supply this critical need.
Energy and Light – Having alternative light and power sources like batteries, flashlights, solar chargers, or generators can be wise, especially to help others during power outages. Candles also provide light.
Medical Supplies – Basic medical supplies, OTC medicines, and first aid kits align with being a good neighbor in crises when medical care is disrupted or overwhelmed. Consider taking first aid classes to help others.
Communication – Having an emergency radio and alternate communication methods (such as CB radio or ham radio) allows connection with others during disasters when normal channels are down.
Self-Defense – Some preppers stockpile weapons and ammunition. Christians must exercise extreme caution here (Matthew 26:52; Romans 12:17-21). Self-defense may be warranted, but violence should always be a last resort preserved for protecting others.
Finances – Having some cash on hand could help during disasters if banks close and electronic transactions are disrupted. Also consider giving generously to help those in need.
Scripture and Community – No physical preparations can substitute for a deep spiritual foundation in Christ. And godly community brings protection and support in troubles. Invest in true riches more than material ones (Matthew 6:19-21; Acts 2:42-47).
Overall, reasonable preparations can align with wisdom – especially if done in moderation, with a generous spirit, and while still relying on God’s grace to sustain and protect as He sees fit.
Perspective on the End Times
Since some preppers specifically cite end times prophesies as motivation, a balanced perspective on the last days may help:
– No one knows when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7). Dates that people set often pass uneventfully.
– There will be an increase in disasters and difficulties before Christ’s return, but the exact order isn’t clear (Matthew 24; Luke 21). We cannot know details or timing.
– Our mandate is to keep spiritually vigilant, share the gospel, and redeem the time, rather than obsess over disasters (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 21:28; Ephesians 5:15-17).
– God retains His sovereign control over the future. We can prepare prudently while resting in His hands (Psalm 139:16; Proverbs 16:9; Acts 17:26).
– Believers are not destined for wrath but hope and salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9; Romans 5:9). God protects His children.
– Even in disasters and persecution, God will give sustaining grace to believers who trust and rely on Him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Psalm 46:1-3).
– Our true hope is eternal life in Christ (Titus 3:7). No earthly prepping can secure a heavenly home.
Keeping an eternal perspective guards our hearts from fearing the disasters of this world more than we fear God and trust in His sovereign care for our lives. Reasonable preparations can align with wisdom, but our spirit must lean on Jesus.
Called to Community and Generosity
Some Christians object to prepping because they believe we are called to rely on community rather than being self-reliant. There is truth here – but balance is key. Interdependence within the Body of Christ is biblical, as is caring for neighbors in need:
– The early church shared resources as needed (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35). They showed unity and generosity.
– Paul describes interdependence within the church like members of a body (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). Each part needs the others.
– Jesus calls us to love our neighbor and care for those in need (Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 25:31-46). Hard times should increase our giving.
– We are to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Preparedness can help us help others in times of disaster.
– Even marriage provides an example of interdependence (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). In community we can share our strengths.
– Of course, balance is key. Complete communal living of all possessions is rare in Scripture, though generosity is commanded. And the Proverbs 31 woman prepared independently for her household.
With wisdom and moderation, personal preparedness and community interdependence can complement rather than compete. It is wise to prepare prudently for our own household while still being part of a local church, caring for others, and sharing abundantly in times of need. We prepare not just for ourselves, but to be able to serve and bless.
Trusting God’s Providence
Ultimately, while biblical preparedness is wise, our trust must remain in the Lord who sovereignly directs all things according to His perfect will.
– We can make prudent plans, but God directs the outcomes (Proverbs 16:9; 19:21; James 4:13–16). His purposes will prevail.
– Through faith in Christ, believers have a secure future inheritance that can never perish (1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Corinthians 2:9).
– God promises to complete the good work He began in bringing us to salvation (Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:28–30).
– If God allows disasters or trials, He gives sustaining grace to endure (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Psalm 46:1-3). He equips those He calls.
– Nothing can separate Christians from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39). He upholds us.
– God promises to supply our daily needs as we seek Him (Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:19). We can trust Him.
– God’s purposes and plans cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2). He is all powerful.
Because God is sovereign, His people in every generation can have confidence that whatever happens, His good plans for their lives and eternal future cannot be stopped. He will sustain them by His Spirit through whatever difficulties arise. Therefore, we can prepare wisely but trust ultimately in Him.
Conclusion
In summary, Scripture offers wisdom about living preparedly for potential disasters, while still trusting God and relying on community. With faith and moderation, Christians can prudently store extra supplies, develop useful skills, and make practical preparations to help protect and provide for their families. However, our motive must be faith rather than fear, and our practice must avoid extremes of isolating self-reliance. While readying supplies, we must also build godly community, give generously to help others, and invest in the kingdom of God, storing up eternal riches. Most importantly, we are to seek God first, walk by faith, and trust His sovereign care over our lives, come what may. Reasonable preparedness can align with biblical values, but it can never substitute for a secure relationship with the Lord who holds the future in His hands. Our true and eternal security is in Christ alone.