This winter in the United States has been extremely unusual. Areas in the north have documented record breaking snowfalls. Many places have set new record low temperatures. Southern regions have struggled with winter weather normally only seen in the north. I teach children in Mississippi who at twelve-years-old have never experienced more than an inch or two of snow on the ground at one time. Yet, in less than two weeks, school has been cancelled four times, and students have been dismissed three hours early from school twice due to winter weather. People everywhere it seems are making frequent preparations for winter weather, a potential physical emergency. While these emergency preparations are important, how much more important is spiritual emergency preparation?
Whether physical or spiritual, emergency preparation consists of several elements. First, individuals must recognize the potential for an emergency situation. Second, mental preparation must be made. Finally, action must be taken. Failure to complete any of these steps could lead to disaster.
Emergency Recognition
In the physical world, recognition of a potential winter emergency begins with gathering information. Meteorologists collect weather data, consider models and make predictions. Those predictions are then shared with those who could be affected by the temperatures, snow or ice. In the spiritual world, there is one “emergency” for which all must prepare. The Bible reveals that Judgment Day is coming at a time no one will expect (Matthew 25:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). In recognition of that day, everyone needs to realize that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and that the blood of Christ is the answer to the sin problem (Galatians 3:27; Romans 3:24-26).
Mental Preparation
After recognizing an imminent physical emergency, individuals need to decide what they must do. Plans need to be made for gathering supplies, and changes to routines or schedules need consideration. Likewise, after individuals recognize that sin separates them from God (Isaiah 59:2; Matthew 7:23) and that this separation will become permanent at the Judgment Day if the sin problem is not corrected, plans need to be made. Proper mental preparation would include searching the Bible for God’s plan to redeem man (2 Timothy 2:15). The Scriptures reveal that a true faith in God comes after hearing His Word (Romans 10:17). This faith leads to a desire to obey (Hebrews 11:6). Obedience requires individuals to repent or turn away from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 2 Corinthians 7:10), profess to others their belief in Christ as God’s Son (Matthew 10:31-32; Romans 10:9-10) and to submit to baptism (immersion) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-7). Further study shows that the forgiven must live in faithful service to the Lord, even if it leads to death (Revelation 2:10).
Take Action
All plans for a physical emergency are pointless if they are not implemented. Making a list of items needed, but failing to purchase those items benefits no one. Knowing in your mind that road closures on your commute to work require you to take a different route does not help your trip if you still drive your normal path. In the same way, knowing what you must do to remove the sin problem in your life fails to profit you if you do not act on that knowledge. Notice the words of Jesus as He concluded the Sermon on the Mount.
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. (Matthew 7:24-27)
Jesus explained that hearing is not enough; action is required also (see James 2:14-26).
Avoiding Disaster
Advance preparation for any emergency is the key to survival, whether physical or spiritual. We do not know when we will die or when Judgment Day will come. As Jesus illustrated in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), we must make advanced preparation for that day. Failure to make adequate provision to meet Jesus in judgment will be the ultimate disaster from which there is no recovery. How is your spiritual emergency preparation?
