Prepper Christian

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. ~ 2 Peter 3:9

Have you ever prayed like this? “Lord, please give me patience and give it to me now!” When we want ourselves and our society to be sanctified and won’t wait for the Spirit’s process to run its natural course, there will be consequences. Common sense informs us that impatience causes recklessness and is usually counterproductive. Peter’s 2nd letter urges Christians to press on toward godliness and yet discourages impatience for their arrival, because the LORD’s perfect wisdom and timeless plan concerns much more than today’s comforts. 

Early Christians proclaimed the soon return of Jesus to complete the work of salvation and punish the wicked. Their critics asked, “Where is this ‘coming’ Jesus promised?” They were understandably afraid the mockers might be right, so the new believers looked to the spiritual leaders who called upon the Apostle Peter. Now, we feel the same way sometimes. What’s worse is that many in our Christian family don’t really believe Christ is coming again. The Apostles called Christian Believers, then and now, to be patient and continually prepare for our Bridegroom. 

“Prepper” is a popular word for people who store up everything needed to survive disasters. They invest in learning and practicing pioneer skills; they create secret caches of supplies, and arm themselves against enemies that threaten their home and loved ones. Veteran preppers hone their skills and build their resources over years, patiently and quietly gaining what they need to be ready, survive, and thrive. Their mentors teach and preach in blogs, videos, and newsletters. They present workshops and sell resources at regular gatherings for like-minded people. They often say things like, “Don’t listen to the scoffers, the day you are preparing for will come, so don’t get discouraged.” Sound familiar?

Early Christians were preppers too. Maybe we should follow their example. They invested in learning and practical skills development. They met in secret locations where they stored essential resources for the Christian family, especially the widows, orphans, and others with acute needs. Christian Believers armed themselves against the Enemy, as their mentor instructed: 

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Galatians 6:11-17)

I remember watching a live report from Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev on February 23, 2022. In the streets behind the reporter, people parked cars, entered and exited shops, restaurants, and subways. A young boy played on his skateboard. People seemed unconcerned about the impending invasion about which the reporter was speaking. A few days later, I saw new reports with horrific images of soldiers in the same streets, destroyed buildings, dead young mothers and children, and, at least in my imagination, an abandoned skateboard. 

Beloved of God, your daily prayers, bible reading, holy conversations, weekly spiritual training, corporate worship and service to Christ are all integral in your preparations for the onslaught of the Enemy and the return of our Lord. Not doing so is like skateboarding in the streets of Kiev on the night before its near destruction. Please prepare yourselves and your loved ones by investing in your spiritual priorities. Christian salvation is not an insurance policy for after disaster, it is a way of life for vitality and confidence before the imminent things .