The Rise of “Prepping”
In recent years, the concept of “prepping” has gained significant traction. Prepping, short for preparation, refers to stockpiling essential goods such as food, water, fuel, and even weapons to survive potential disasters. These could range from natural disasters and power grid failures to economic collapses or global pandemics. According to a 2021 survey by Finder, nearly 68% of Americans admitted to stockpiling some form of emergency supplies. Television shows like Doomsday Preppers have further popularized the movement, showcasing individuals and families who invest significant time and resources to create “bug-out” shelters and build arsenals to protect their supplies.
The appeal of prepping lies in its promise of security and control in an unpredictable world. By taking precautions, preppers aim to mitigate their dependence on external systems and ensure their survival in worst-case scenarios. On the surface, this mindset may appear wise and responsible. After all, Proverbs 6:6-8 encourages foresight through the example of the ant, which stores provisions during harvest to prepare for winter. However, when prepping is driven by fear, self-reliance, and a lack of trust in God, it diverges from the wisdom of Scripture.
In this essay, we will explore the concept of prepping in light of biblical principles, examining the call to trust in God, live day by day, and prioritize a heart of generosity over a spirit of self-preservation.
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The Problem with Prepping as a Solution
At its core, prepping aims to create a sense of safety and independence during times of uncertainty. While practical preparation is not inherently wrong, it often reveals deeper spiritual issues: fear, misplaced trust, and a desire for control. Preppers focus on amassing resources, yet even the most well-stocked supplies have limitations. Food and water will eventually run out, fuel supplies will be depleted, and survival will once again depend on external factors.
Moreover, the act of prepping can foster a mindset of scarcity and defensiveness. Many preppers justify accumulating weapons as a means to protect their stockpile from others, betraying a lack of trust in God’s provision. Proverbs 11:28 warns, “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” Despite their best efforts, preppers ultimately cannot secure their future; only God has that power.
Biblical Teachings on Trust and Provision
1. Trust in the Lord, Not in Possessions
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the futility of placing our trust in material possessions. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” While it is wise to exercise prudence, hoarding resources reflects a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus warns, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This admonition reminds us that worldly wealth is fleeting and that our ultimate security lies in God, not in material stockpiles.
2. Living Day by Day
One of the most profound lessons in Scripture is the call to live one day at a time, trusting God for daily provision. Jesus teaches in the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). This petition reflects a reliance on God’s ongoing care rather than on human effort or resources.
Similarly, Jesus admonishes His followers, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Rather than anxiously planning for every possible disaster, we are called to rest in God’s sovereignty, confident that He knows our needs and will provide for them in His timing.
Biblical Examples of God’s Provision
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of God providing for His people in miraculous ways:
- Manna in the Wilderness: When the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, God provided daily manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4). This miraculous provision taught them to depend on God each day, as hoarding the manna resulted in spoilage.
- Elijah and the Widow: During a severe drought, God provided for Elijah through the generosity of a widow in Zarephath. Her jar of flour and jug of oil never ran out, demonstrating God’s ability to sustain His people (1 Kings 17:8-16).
- Jesus Feeds the 5,000: With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed a crowd of thousands (John 6:1-13). This miracle underscores God’s ability to multiply limited resources to meet human needs abundantly.
In each of these stories, God’s provision came in response to faith and obedience, not through stockpiling or self-reliance. These accounts remind us that God’s resources are unlimited and that He is faithful to provide for His people.
A Heart Prepared for Generosity
Instead of focusing on amassing resources, Christians are called to cultivate a heart of generosity and trust. Proverbs 11:25 teaches, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” During times of crisis, sharing with those in need reflects the love of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to a fearful world.
In the early church, believers modeled this principle by sharing their possessions freely. Acts 2:44-45 recounts, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” This spirit of unity and generosity stands in stark contrast to the hoarding mindset of modern prepping.
Preparing for a disaster should not be about safeguarding our own survival at the expense of others. Instead, it should involve preparing our hearts to trust God fully, live generously, and serve those in need.
The Foolishness of Fear and Self-Sufficiency
While it is natural to feel anxiety about the future, Scripture reminds us that fear is not from God. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Prepping driven by fear and self-sufficiency denies God’s power and provision.
Proverbs 28:26 cautions, “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.” Wisdom, in this context, involves trusting God’s guidance and aligning our actions with His will.
No amount of preparation can guarantee survival, as life is ultimately in God’s hands. James 4:13-15 reminds us of our dependence on Him: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”
Conclusion: Preparing for God’s Way
Rather than hoarding supplies in fear, Christians are called to prepare for disaster by cultivating faith, prayer, and generosity. Trusting in God, living one day at a time, and being willing to share with those in need reflect a heart aligned with His will.
Proverbs 3:9-10 encapsulates the right perspective on resources: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” God’s promise is clear: those who trust in Him and honor Him with their resources will never lack.
Let us prepare not by stockpiling goods but by preparing our hearts to serve others and glorify God, knowing that He is faithful to provide in every circumstance.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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