Laying Up Treasures

I read about a lot of homesteaders and preppers who say they are ready for anything, and that they have everything they need (laid up and in stock) for "when the shit hits the fan."

When I see that supreme level of self-reliant confidence, my eyeballs always widen in an "uh-oh" kind of way.

As mentioned earlier, and touched upon with katlupe, in another post ... prepping IS necessary.  I am not advocating doing nothing, and expecting God to provide my every need without so much as lifting a finger. 

No, doing our part is necessary, and prepping is necessary.  And most preppers have a tendency to feel like there is always more they should be doing.  

It is difficult for most of us homesteaders/preppers to feel like we have laid up enough preps/riches/stores.  

We are even warned against becoming complacent and lukewarm and trusting in our perceived riches. (Revelation 3:17) 

So, yes, when I hear some boast about how they have everything covered, and everything they need to survive a SHTF or TEOTWAWKI situation ... I am immediately concerned that they have become too complacent and trusting in themselves, and their independence.

This blog is for those who understand we will never achieve any form of independence unless we surrender ourselves to dependency.

 So, what sets faithful preppers apart from the others?  

The simple answer is "our priorities set us apart" ... if we have the right priorities, we should not fear. 

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles (unbelievers) seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31–33) 

God assures us that if we stay close to Him, we will have everything we need ... but, as He gives us more, He will also expect more of us. (Matthew 25:14–30) 

With blessings/wealth comes responsibility ... and there are blessings/wealth that money cannot buy.

So, how are you ... my fellow prepper ... using your blessings/preps/riches/stores?  Your hidden treasures?

True treasure cannot be found by building up, and laying up, our personal riches/stocks and stores.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21)

All of our preps are conditional, physical, and temporary.   

All of the thought and time spent on "acquiring" is still conditional, physical, and temporary ... and it also borders upon idolatry, but that is another topic entirely. 

Everything we lay up (or store) for ourselves can spoil, or be stolen.  And if you are already a homesteader, or prepper, you KNOW this.   

I cannot tell you how many things I've read about how critical it is to rotate stock  to prevent loss/spoilage ... and how critical it is to protect your stockpiled goodies from all the anticipated SHTF refugees and/or zombies. 

^A protective mindset that is caused by fear ... yet another topic.^

But I digress.

When you gain some extra blessings/preps/riches/stores/wealth, and when you add it to your growing stash, do you mainly think about how well fed and protected YOU will be when it gets bad-bad?  

Or do you think first about your responsibility as a steward of what God has given you? Do you think about how you can use your wealth to help your family, your loved ones, and your community?  

Do you think about how you can thank your Creator, and support His Work, for all the blessings you've been GIVEN? 

Or do you have the attitude of Pa Anderson ... remember him from a previous entry?


You've filled that space.  You've saved, and shopped, and stocked.  It wouldn’t be there, and you wouldn’t have it, if you hadn’t done it all.  By yourself.  You worked dog-bone hard for every crumb and morsel in that there pantry.  But, as a safe afterthought, you better go ahead and thank the Lord just the same. 

God is looking at your heart.  

Are you stocking physical treasures?  Or spiritual treasures?

With Love,

Your Faithful Prepper 

(where autonomy and faith collide)