You are not prepared if...

With the euphoria of a new presidential administration, you could almost believe that the end of the hard economic times will come as soon as the U.S. government starts spending the trillions of dollars it doesn't have. A look the current economic reports still gives pause for concern. November figures (the latest to be released) show a steady increase in unemployment and layoffs. The Consumer Price Index fell again in November by 1.7 percent.

The question still remains, are you prepared for the hard times? A Google search on the phrase "prepare for hard times" showed over a million responses. The Web sites tout everything from preparing for a coming nuclear attack, unlocking your brain's potential and secret Masonic rituals as the answer to preparation. Not having anything to sell at the moment, except some junk in the garage, I think the answer is really quite simple.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments. We in this Church have evidence enough of the penalties of disobedience in the examples of both the Jaredite and the Nephite nations. Each went from glory to utter destruction because of wickedness.

We know, of course, that the rain falls on the just as well as the unjust (see Matthew 5:45). But even though the just die they are not lost, but are saved through the Atonement of the Redeemer. Paul wrote to the Romans, "For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord" (Romans 14:8)...

We can set aside some water, basic food, medicine, and clothing to keep us warm. We ought to have a little money laid aside in case of a rainy day.

If we fail to head this counsel, we are not prepared.

We are not prepared if we are still in debt other than for a home and perhaps one car.

We are not prepared if we are still buying things we do not need.

We are not prepared if we do not save.

We are not prepared if we do not have a basic supply of food, medicine and clothing.

We are not prepared if we are not studying and learning.

The list can go on and on. Heed the counsel given by the Lord and be prepared.