Meridian Magazine :: Emergency Preparedness: What’s in Your Trunk That Could Save Your Life?

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A Wise and Faithful Steward
By Carolyn Nicolaysen

With the relatively recent experience of tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, ice storms, drought and recession, the US government has taken up the cause of preparedness with greater urgency. The FEMA Ready Campaign has chosen the theme for 2010 “Resolve to be Ready”. But for generations, Church leaders have taught the deeper principles involved in self-reliance and preparedness.

"We are confronted today with a great variety of serious economic and social conditions. But facing periods of economic stress, even deprivation, is not new to us as a Church. Throughout their history, the Saints have more than once faced such trials. As a result, the Lord from the early days of the Church has guided his leaders to see clearly certain correct principles. We feel compelled to reaffirm these basic principles of temporal salvation.

I have attempted to reaffirm certain basic fundamentals: (1) self-reliance is an eternal and vital principle of temporal salvation; (2) family reliance is also a vital principle of temporal salvation and is the answer to many temporal problems; (3) some members need to rethink their priorities and in some instances redefine and forego ‘luxuries’ and make more adequate provision for their necessities..." - Marion G. Romney, “Principles of Temporal Salvation,” Tambuli, Oct 1981.

In October of 1981 when President Romney gave this talk, unemployment rates were at 7.5%. Today they are at 10% with many economists believing the real rate is much higher due to the fact that so many have given up looking for work, so thus, their numbers have gone unreported. In 1981 the country was in the midst of a recession, just as we are today. We see that President Romney's counsel and warning are as important to us today as they were to the saints in 1981.

The Christmas season invites our reflection upon blessings and responsibilities – the responsibility to care for ourselves and our immediate and extended family. Do we see the lines between wants and needs? Are we willing to make the changes necessary to more fully live the counsel we have received?

When I first began writing for Meridian Magazine, three years ago, I wrote an article about the importance of food storage. I received a note from a reader who questioned my article, because the most recent quote I used was from President Hinckley in 1999. He went on to tell me that when he heard the prophet tell us in a current General Conference to store food, that he would do it then. I have thought about that note on many occasions.

The Prophet Joseph Smith told us to avoid the use of strong drink, tobacco and hot drinks: "That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobacco is not for the body neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill. And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly." (D&C 89:5-9)

The Word of Wisdom is an eternal truth and thus prophets do not need to speak of it in General Conference for us to understand it is a principle we must live if we desire the blessings that come from obedience.

Moses told us we were not to covet. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. (Exodus 20:17) But times have changed, right? Yes, society has changed, but eternal laws never change; it is just as serious a sin to covet in 2009 as it was when Moses heard the voice of the Lord.

So what about self reliance, food storage, getting out of debt and preparing for emergencies of all types? Where is that found in the scriptures? Isn't that just a creation of a welfare committee in the 1930’s?

"And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked…" (Mosiah 4:14)

"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1 Timothy 5:8)

"And again, verily I say unto you, that every man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provide, and he shall in nowise lose his crown; and let him labor in the church." (D&C 75:28)

"All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age." (D&C 83:4)

"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;" (D&C 88:119)

"But behold, this was an advantage to the Nephites; for it was impossible for the robbers to lay siege sufficiently long to have any effect upon the Nephites, because of their much provisions which they had laid up in store." (3 Nephi 4:1)

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." (Matthew 24:45-46)

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet." (Proverbs 31:10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21)

"And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number. And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended… And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread." (Genesis 41: 47-49, 53-54)

Heavenly Father has always loved his children. He has always warned of things to come and He has always given guidance to be prepared for those calamities. We know more difficult and challenging times will come. Scripture, both ancient and modern have warned us. Modern day prophets have foretold of difficulties to come, and many have come. We have been warned that calamities are not over.

"Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise steward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his steward." (D&C 136:27)

As we gather with our family this Christmas and set priorities and goals for the coming year, now is the time for us to become wise stewards.

President Romney said it best, coupled with a prophet promise:

‘It has also been my intention to encourage all Latter-day Saints to review again their personal and family preparedness and to implement immediately the principles and practices that will ensure their self-sufficiency. If we will discuss these truths in our family councils and make a plan to do all in our power to live these principles, we shall all enjoy the promise of the Lord, ‘If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.’

“More importantly, if we will live providentially and righteously, we will qualify for the greater promise: ‘And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.’” - Marion G. Romney, “Principles of Temporal Salvation,” Tambuli, Oct 1981.

For help with your self reliance goals visit Carolyn's blog at: http://blog.TotallyReady.com

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