Remember when it seemed as if everyone was planning for the coming zombie apocalypse? It highlighted for me the fascination people have with the collapse of society and prepping for survival.
There are serious prophecies about the dark days ahead for the world, but should we be focused on preparing physically? Prepping has, for some, become a false religion called âsurvivalismâ. Itâs fueled by apocalyptic movies, survivalist TV shows, and violent video games. These are especially influential on our children.
Some equate the instability in the world with end-time prophecies drawn from pagan, biblical, and occult sources, like Nostradamus. There is also a growing, âChristianâ survivalist movement, which focuses on living off-grid, stockpiling food, self-defense, and gun skills. As a rapidly expanding ideology and business (gun sales are up), it draws on a very raw, powerful drive for survival. Satan then leverages this carnal human desire to survive at the expense of others (Job 2:4).
Even those in the church can get caught up in stockpiling food and prepping for disaster. After all, Noah prepared for the Flood, Joseph stockpiled for a famine in Egypt, and the book of Proverbs talks about foreseeing danger, and taking precautions.
But should we be doing?
Certainly, commonsense precautions are in order. Having some basic supplies on hand in case of natural disaster is a wise precaution. But with the survivalist mentality we run into problems. Noah and Joseph were given specific commands for physical preparations. This is not the case for end time troubles. Nowhere are we asked to store up physical provisions on such a scale.
We are told, repeatedly, to prepare for battles of a spiritual nature. Spiritual survival focused on stockpiling the fruits of the Spirit rather than fruit from a tree. In the wilderness God provided the nation of Israel with manna, but they couldnât hoard it. If they tried to, except for the Sabbath, it would spoil. Just as He did then, God promises to provide for our physical needs if we seek Him and put Him first (Matthew 6:33).
Survivalism leads to a chilling devaluing of human life, which exalts the survivalist over the foolish masses. Survival of the fittest! A religion based on the idea that God only helps those who help themselves. True Christians canât subscribe to such a view. Jesus Christ taught a giving and selfless attitude toward all types of challenging circumstances. Contrary to the tenets of survivalism, Jesusâ disciples are to expect persecution and hardship.
The Christian response to a crisis must not be eating to the full from a garage packed with food or hiding in bunkers. Instead, we must help people come together. Itâs about faith, and not thinking too highly of our own lives. Our actions as a godly community can cause us to stand out and point the way to God.
Get up each morning and plan your day around spiritual survival. We should be free from the worries and anxieties associated with physical survival because God is our refuge and strength! (Psalm 46:1). Through our outward example we can point others to the true bread of life, Jesus Christ! Thatâs our job.
Tim Vail