Page 7 - Verge eMag April 2018

1 Timothy 5:8

Many who are seeking to be more prepared do so because they have others depending
on them. We prepare for many things in our life that we hope will never happen. We
have car insurance in case we have an accident (granted in most states that is a
requirement). We have life insurance, so our loved ones will not be saddled with
massive debt if we die unexpectedly. We have health insurance in case we get sick.

There is not much difference in insuring we can provide food, shelter, security, and a
safe environment in the event of an unexpected crisis. It takes reasoned analysis of
potential hazards to determine what we should stockpile and if, when, and where we
should bug out. It takes financial planning to insure we have what we need without
compromising on other needs, while still living a normal everyday life.

Paul gives a mandate to Timothy concerning taking care of our family. In the culture of
the time, there was no welfare, social security, or government program to assist those in

need. The onus fell on their relatives to see that they were fed, clothed, and sheltered.
Hospitals, orphanages, and programs for taking care of widows and orphans were
originally funded and operated by Christians.

Paul says that if we do not plan to take care of our family, we are worse than an
unbeliever; we have denied the faith we once held. Now, that is a pretty serious charge.
Granted, in the context of the passage, Paul was discussing day-to-day needs, not
having a store of ammo and a bug-out shelter. But, carried into our context and the
potential hazards and threats we face, this is a principle that strongly supports some
type of preparedness.

In Proverbs 16:3 we read “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be
established.” Bathe everything you do in prayer, seek the Lord’s face, and He will guide
you to make the proper preps.