Preparedness

As a native Floridian, I've been well-schooled in emergency preparedness. The advent of hurricane season each June brings other traditions, including our congregations periodic review of our emergency preparedness plan.

While watching a film the other day, I was struck by this phrase "Movimiento es vida." In English, "Movement is life." Preparedness is about activity, labor, engagement. Not sitting and waiting, but acting. Prepare- that word is at the heart, and it is active. The same principle is true for spiritual preparedness.

The danger is no less significant. There is an adversary who wants to derail our spiritual progress. If we are not active, moving, we risk the loss of our spiritual lives. Effective spiritual preparedness is really a simple thing, which is why we take it for granted. When speaking to his son Helaman, the Book of Mormon prophet Alma gave some straightforward and appropriate advice. He is relating to his son the story of Lehi and his family. Lehi was given a special compass that functioned in accordance with their righteousness. It was a simple spiritual equation, but still they faltered at times:

44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.

45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.

47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live.

Alma 37:44-47

He makes a brief allusion to the story of Moses and the fiery serpents in that last phrase- "See that ye look to God and live."

In that story, the people of Israel have grown wicked and the punishment they receive is to be stung by serpents. Moses is told to prepare brazen serpents and to show them to the people. Those who exercise faith in God's word by obeying the prophet and looking at the serpents are healed. Because it is so simple, some failed to do it and died.

Spiritual preparedness is simple, at its heart. Read the scriptures. Pray sincerely. Serve others. Meet with the Saints to hear the good word of God. We overlook the easy (simple) answers, but those are the most important things for us to adhere to. We have to move, be active, feeding ourselves with the words of Christ, communing with God in prayer, and helping other do the same. It is simple and clear, but still a challenge given the constraints and challenges of our lives. 

Still, we must remember Alma's advice. Don't be slothful because of the easiness of the way- Look to God and Live!