Mention the word prepper, and probably some heads could be shaking. Images of individuals who live on the fringe waltz into the thought processes of a crowd of mainstreamers. Preppers are a unique mob, distinguishing themselves from everybody with their peculiarities from top to toe and, most significantly – their seemingly twisted worldview.
Their ideas and perspectives concerning life are slanted towards the negative – very much an apocalyptic lens through which they see just about everything as part of an unavoidable end game. Soothsayer stories could have inspired them to take this route, but it is not uncommon for them to get a smattering from the Bible. These have a greater hindering, no thanks to misinterpretations laced with loads of sensationalism! With a distorted picture in tow, they bash their way through society and, at times, more than sparks would fly. Of course, there are some people who capitalize on this subculture for financial gain and, in doing so, add to the numbers with enthusiastic wannabees.
The prepper, as most folks know, is driven by the notion of worst-case scenarios. It is all about survival in whatever eventuality. A mindset of such a nature simply cannot bask in peace; on the contrary, it wallows in worries all the time. Fear that is over-amplified is ever-present in the lives of these people, to a point where mention of hope becomes a joke!
A typical prepper known to about everybody leans heavily on earthly resources. Not just training plus paraphernalia but quite a bit on manmade statutes – any attempt to strip them from Second Amendment rights would certainly catapult them into a frenzy! At this point, any reference to the Living Word could simply garner blank stares from this bunch.
As good as unbeknownst to many casual observers, there is no myth about another type of prepper. First of all, the jarring marks of differentiation are almost absent – they might not be easily picked out from a crowd except when there is close scrutiny. Who are these folks? What is their prepping all about?
This prepping has nothing to do with the world and the things of a fallen planet.
“Set your minds on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).
Based on this important piece of Scripture, this prepping is all about eternal life; the time on earth amounts to a mere and minuscule fraction when compared to the glorious eternity.
The prepper that sets his or her sights on an eternity with God has a lifestyle that has little room for worldliness. It is all about a ceaseless, ongoing relationship with the Lord based on faith. Believing in the infinite power of God through the anointing of the Holy Spirit negates this complicated and oftentimes confusion-ridden way of life practiced by contemporary preppers. In place of rigorous training sessions, which include refresher courses, is the Word of God that is sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). No need for firearms plus survival gear – there is the invincible armour of The Almighty God (Ephesians 6:12).
Little attention is paid with regard to the comings and goings of this group of Christ-centered individuals because large swathes of society do not believe in the Living Word. Of course, there are some who will mock and show the thumbs down sign when encountering these folks who genuinely love the Lord. These critics do not realize that there is a reward after all the necessary prepping is done (Revelation 3:11).
Can this type of prepping be full of folly? Definitely not the case! Manmade systems, know-how, and equipment could fail. Everything to do with the Lord will not, provided all doubts and unbelief are swept away. Enabling and empowerment through the Holy Spirit will make a meal out of the seemingly insurmountable. All this comes about when the connection with the Creator is 24/7! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).
It might appear like something easier said than done, but setting oneself aside so as to enable the Lord to work wonders is really not a tough call. Those who are prepping for eternal glory know this, and they joyfully go about trusting the Lord, come what may. At the end of even the roughest ride, He is triumphant; the same goes for those who believe in Him!
There is nothing financial when it comes to being a heaven-bound prepper. Romans 12:2 seals the deal. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
The world as we once knew it has almost nothing to offer. The same can be said about the futility of the flesh; whatever is manmade will not give the correct answers. Despite everything close to falling apart, there is hope. The Blessed Hope! This is what the Body of Christ is prepping for.
Maranatha
Edwin