The topic of whether Christians should stockpile food and supplies in preparation for potential future disasters is one that elicits a range of perspectives. There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue, and Scripture does not unambiguously settle the matter. As with many issues, wisdom and discernment are needed as we seek to apply biblical principles to our modern context. This article will overview the key considerations around this topic.
God’s Provision and Our Responsibility
On one hand, the Bible encourages us to trust in God’s faithful provision and not be consumed by worry for the future. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us not to be anxious about food, drink and clothing, because God knows our needs and will provide. He calls us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” and not worry about tomorrow. The passage conveys a spirit of trust and reliance on God day by day. Based on this, some Christians argue against stockpiling supplies, believing we should simply trust God to provide our “daily bread” as the Lord’s Prayer states (Matthew 6:11).
On the other hand, the Bible does not condemn wise planning and stewardship of resources. Proverbs 6:6-8 points to the example of ants who store up food in summer for the winter ahead. In Genesis 41, Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream to mean there will be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. He proposes storing up grain during the good years to sustain people when the famine comes. Pharaoh praises this plan as discerning and wise by God’s enablement (Genesis 41:38-39). While trusting God, Joseph believed in making prudent preparations for the future. Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders also conveys the importance of preparing well by building one’s life on the solid foundation of his teachings (Matthew 7:24-27).
There is a balance here between trusting God in the present while also wisely planning for potential challenges ahead. We should avoid reacting out of fear or becoming consumed by the future, yet also recognize our responsibility to make prudent preparations within our means. Praying for discernment is essential.
Motives: Fear or Stewardship?
Closely related is the issue of motives. Why does someone want to stockpile food and supplies? Is it out of fear, greed, pride in self-sufficiency or a spirit of self-reliance rather than reliance on God? The Bible warns against fearfulness, fretting and the arrogance that ignores our dependence on God (Psalm 49:6-7, 56:3-4, Proverbs 3:5-6). If accumulation of resources feeds these unhealthy attitudes, it can be spiritually harmful.
However, stockpiling can also be an act of good stewardship if done with the right motives. As God supplies resources, we can make wise use of them in managing households and caring for families under our responsibility (1 Timothy 5:8). As a famine approached, God prompted Joseph to propose storing grain not out of selfishness but to ensure food stability for the population (Genesis 41:55-57). Love for neighbor can motivate preparedness. During World War II, some Christians hid Jews to protect them from the Holocaust. That took planning and foresight. For modern believers, a careful balance is needed between selflessness and prudence.
Moderation: Avoiding Extremes
Scripture often warns against extremes, and this applies to the issue of stockpiling as well. The book of Proverbs cautions against overindulging in anything, even good things (Proverbs 25:16). Ecclesiastes 7:16-17 warns against overzealous righteousness and wickedness. In financial teaching, the Bible both warns against debt (Proverbs 22:7) yet also says it is wise to save for the future (Proverbs 21:20). There is a balanced approach that applies moderation and sound judgment.
This principle would advise against taking stockpiling to reckless extremes. Accumulating years worth of food or supplies to the neglect of other responsibilities would not be good stewardship. Some Christians develop elaborate bunkers as “preppers.” But doomsday prepping where faith in God is overshadowed by reliance on our own plans can become unhealthy, reflecting priorities that have drifted.
Yet the answer is not to avoid prudent preparations altogether in the name of faith. Moderation and balance are key. Joseph proposed storing grain for the 7 years of famine, not 70 years! There were also no indications he became consumed by this planning, allowing it to dominate his life and leadership. He exemplified sensible preparedness combined with continued trust in God.
Serving Others: Generosity and Compassion
A truly biblical approach to this issue will consider not only ones own interests but also how to serve and bless others. The early church modeled unity and generosity, shared with any who had need (Acts 4:32,34). The first Christians did not stockpile only for themselves but willingly sacrificed to meet each other’s needs.
This generous spirit should mark Christians today. We should be open to sharing from what God has provided us, looking out for others beyond just our own households. Any wise preparations born of stewardship over Gods resources should be balanced by the equally biblical call to compassion.
In times of disaster, Christians with resources have amazing opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus. After hurricanes, floods or other emergencies, churches have often shone brightly by providing relief to struggling communities around them. If calamities arise, God can use Christians who have prepared not just to sustain themselves but to be vessels of His provision, care and hope to others in desperate need.
Seeking the Spirit’s Wisdom
In the end, formulating rules about what all Christians should do regarding stockpiling food and supplies is very difficult Biblically. There are principles to guide us but room for the Holy Spirit to speak wisdom to each believer given their unique situation, means and responsibilities.
Married parents with young children may lean one direction while single young adults should consider their context. We should pray for and learn from other mature believers but ultimately, through prayer and reflection on Scripture, arrive at convictions guided by God’s Spirit within us (Romans 8:14; James 1:5).
As with many areas of Christian freedom, our response should emphasize humility, grace and respect for others who may discern and decide differently in this nonessential matter. And our posture should remain open to growth and change as the Spirit continues to sanctify us into greater Christ-likeness in how we view planning, possessions and provision (Philippians 1:6).
Practical Considerations and Application
In applying these biblical principles, here are some suggested considerations:
- Take it to God in prayer rather than reacting out of fear or worry over the future.
- Consider your motives and guard your heart against greed, pride or unhealthy self-reliance.
- Make wise preparations in moderation, avoiding extremes.
- Share generously with others as God provides opportunity.
- Seek wisdom humbly and learn from other spiritually mature believers.
- Plan and prepare based on your unique context, means and responsibilities.
- Balance prudent savings for possible future challenges with continued trust in God’s faithfulness day by day.
Application in real life will look different for each Christian household. But with prayer, reliance on the Spirit’s wisdom and discretion, biblical principles can guide us to appropriate stewardship and preparedness.
Conclusion
The Bible does not definitively answer whether Christians should stockpile food and supplies. Principles of good stewardship and generosity can guide us, but wisdom is required in applying them. As we seek God’s direction, motives of fear versus faith are crucial to assess. Moderation and balance help avoid improper extremes. Serving others generously must temper preparations for ourselves. In all, we can rely on the Holy Spirit’s leading as we seek to live out biblical truths in wise, prudent preparation balanced with trust in God’s faithful provision.