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Thoughts on Testimonies During Disasters
Daniel Valles 7/6/4
As a Christian, one of our greatest assets for Christ
is our testimony. We are called light and salt. People notice sincere
Christians, and (unfortunately) hypocritical Christians. In the face
of a disaster, how can we have the best testimony? Sadly, Christians
can be some of the least prepared people for natural or manmade
disasters. That unpreparedness, or lack of prudence, will be a major
mark against them during a crisis.
James 2:15-16 illustrates the ludicrous notion of resorting to
'comforting' words without physical help. "If a brother or sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them,
Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them
not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"
I hate to say it, but during a time of crisis, whether it be a
hurricane or tornado, I would almost rather have a Mormon neighbor
than a Christian neighbor. Why? Because they can help me and I can
help them. They are generally prepared for disasters. The average
Christian neighbor would be pulling his hair out wondering where they
were going to get water from, etc.
Another point to consider is that when disaster strikes, where will
the unsaved go to? Do you think they will spend much time listening to
you when you are running frantically around yourself? Or would they be
more apt to listen to a Mormon or Catholic family who has fed them,
and helped them out? True, as Christians, we can provide comfort and
counseling in trying times, but as James points out, there are
situations where it does not profit.
The Bible repeatedly commands us to love our neighbors and care for
others more than ourselves. When you are laying aside prudent
preparations for any potential disasters, make sure that you are
considering the fact that your neighbors will have needs as well, and
that it will provide an opportunity to share the Gospel. Some extra
food, blankets, even simple things like an extra lantern or flashlight
(with batteries) can be welcome items "needful to the body".
Prudently provide for your family and others. Perhaps the time will
come when it will provide your greatest witness.
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