Joined
·
640 Posts
I've noticed a growing trend over the past year and some comments on the recent "hobbies" thread sort of drove the point home, at least enough that it made me want to discuss it here.
I've always just assumed that the vast majority of Christians were the "peace first" or "turn the other cheek" types and always thought I was just different. I've considered myself unusual in that I wouldn't hesitate a microsecond to kill someone who was threatening myself or my family. But it appears that my problem is just that I never asked. I've only been (more) public about prepping for about a year now... and have been slowly learning that most of my Christian friends are extremely well armed and are very prepared (or are diligently working to get that way.) Then, over the last few months, I've seen numerous individuals who have expressed both a Christian and a Prepper background on this forum... and I have to say that I am very pleased to learn that I am not alone in this.
I realize we will all have to internalize our beliefs and accept any consequences for our actions when we are faced with those questions that often get posted here: Would you feed a family that never prepared and has nothing to offer? If traveling, would you walk past an abandoned young girl begging for food or take her with you? Etc....
I realize we would all try to help our fellow man if the situation allowed it with acceptable or no consequences. But... it's when we need to turn the other cheek 180 degrees and walk away that interests me. I'm curious about the scriptural verses that support the concept of prepping. For example, I apply John 15:2 to prepping and figure that a family that didn't prepare equates to a branch that didn't bear fruit and should be cut off and allowed to wither away (and any example should assume that helping them in some way is a detriment to myself or my family.) I also accept that my friends and family may need some "pruning" so that we prosper. I realize that "God helps those that help themselves" is not actually a bible verse... but it sort of rings true to me. Of course, I can always counter that by taking Prov 28:26 slightly out of context... "He who trusts in himself is a fool..." :mrgreen:
Seriously though, does anyone have any examples of verses that support the idea of prepping or ones that help solve the question of when it might be appropriate to "NOT" turn the other cheek and place them in your sights instead?
I've always just assumed that the vast majority of Christians were the "peace first" or "turn the other cheek" types and always thought I was just different. I've considered myself unusual in that I wouldn't hesitate a microsecond to kill someone who was threatening myself or my family. But it appears that my problem is just that I never asked. I've only been (more) public about prepping for about a year now... and have been slowly learning that most of my Christian friends are extremely well armed and are very prepared (or are diligently working to get that way.) Then, over the last few months, I've seen numerous individuals who have expressed both a Christian and a Prepper background on this forum... and I have to say that I am very pleased to learn that I am not alone in this.
I realize we will all have to internalize our beliefs and accept any consequences for our actions when we are faced with those questions that often get posted here: Would you feed a family that never prepared and has nothing to offer? If traveling, would you walk past an abandoned young girl begging for food or take her with you? Etc....
I realize we would all try to help our fellow man if the situation allowed it with acceptable or no consequences. But... it's when we need to turn the other cheek 180 degrees and walk away that interests me. I'm curious about the scriptural verses that support the concept of prepping. For example, I apply John 15:2 to prepping and figure that a family that didn't prepare equates to a branch that didn't bear fruit and should be cut off and allowed to wither away (and any example should assume that helping them in some way is a detriment to myself or my family.) I also accept that my friends and family may need some "pruning" so that we prosper. I realize that "God helps those that help themselves" is not actually a bible verse... but it sort of rings true to me. Of course, I can always counter that by taking Prov 28:26 slightly out of context... "He who trusts in himself is a fool..." :mrgreen:
Seriously though, does anyone have any examples of verses that support the idea of prepping or ones that help solve the question of when it might be appropriate to "NOT" turn the other cheek and place them in your sights instead?