Much has been spoken in recent weeks about disasters. Many of my Facebook friends have taken to the citation of scriptures from Revelation and other books about how these are signs of the times. However, there are always people among us who have needs, and preparedness has another point entirely.
We prepare so that we can help other people. In a surprisingly lauditory article today, Reuters pointed out that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have once again stepped up their efforts to store for uncertain times. As I read the comments in the Yahoo link to this article, I was surprised and impressed by comments such as "I'd bet that on a per person basis, these (well prepared) people have done far more to help than the average unprepared person. In the meantime, they have not hurt anybody." and "Everyone in the US should be prepared for other reasons: quakes, hurricanes, blizzards, power outages and other natural events." The prepared CAN help others.
Besides the calamities of disaster and the upheaval of governments, there are other things afoot. Here in Las Vegas, we have a huge contingent of homeless, unemployed, underemployed, and otherwise poor individuals. One of them told me a few weeks ago, "If I could just get a job, everything else would follow from that", but until he finds one, he is happy for the victuals and clothing provided by those who have a capability to help those in need.
Just a few hours ago, Bishop H David Burton pointed out that service to the poor helps us retain a remission of sins. Service to those who have not by those who can help is a fundamental Christian precept. Yet, I am certain dozens of Christians hurry by the poor and homeless or those stranded on the roadside because they fear. Sure, I'm a bit more cavalier than most because I am single and male, but we can all do something. If you're not in a position to help directly, you can support those people and organizations that do (like this one).
When Elijah came to the widow, he asked her to first bake him a cake of her meager stores. As consequence of her faith, her cruise of oil and container of meal lasted until the famine came to an end. God cannot multiply your oil and meal unless you have some to start with. Because of this miracle, this woman could have consequently become a storehouse on which the other needy might draw to find satisfaction and sustenance.
We prepare so that we do not fear. We prepare so that others may not fear. We prepare so that others may know to what source they may look for their physical needs to be met. Bishop Burton also stated that it is the responsibility of God's servants on earth to care for the physical needs not only of other Christians in their flocks but of all those who live within their circle of influence. Stewardship is a great burden and opportunity.
Perhaps you, as I, have no specifically defined stewardship. Ours then remains that of that good Samaritan- our stewardship is to help all those we encounter by the way. There will always be needy, destitute, hungry, poor, homeless, unemployed, etc. among us. That is to help us and test us and focus us with gratitude for our blessings and position us to be the miracle in the lives of other people around us. God notices us and he watches over us, but it is usually through another person that he meets our needs (Spencer W Kimball). Be the miracle.
Times will always be uncertain. Money and treasures have value that is largely illusionary; even if you have food stored you do not prefer, at least you will have something to eat, because gold bars don't make very good meals, bandages, or clothing. Some of them just need a kind word, a brief but honest smile, or something simple. Prepare to give what you can and look for ways to give more of what they really need, physically, spiritually, and vocationally. If we all do a little, we can do a lot, just like the Japanese have for their own.
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