Mormon Dilemma 98

Food Storage

From www.lds.org; “We have been counseled to store food, clothing, fuel, and other necessary items, such as those needed for first aid and sewing, to take care of our families’ needs for a year…The Lord has counseled, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30)…Elder Ezra Taft Benson said: “Thanks be to God for a prophet, for this inspired [welfare] program, and for Saints who so managed … that they could provide for their own and still share with others. What a marvelous way to become a savior on Mount Zion!” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1973, 93; or Ensign, Jan. 1974, 82).”

Update! As of 9.20.2011 the official website of the Church has stated everyone should have a three month supply. http://www.providentliving.org/content/list/0,11664,7445-1,00.html

Matthew 6:31-34; “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Philippians 4:6-7; “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Also see Luke 12:22-29 about the lilies in the field.

While it’s common sense to have emergency supplies on hand for a couple of days if there are power outages or other anomalies in  your town, it’s quite another to stock up on food and supplies like the Church has advised its members to do. 

Oftentimes this leads to waste because of the food not being stored properly, but most importantly it leads to self-sufficiency (not the good kind) by not placing your trust in the Lord.

Also pay close attention to what the prophet of the Church said above; he’s basically saying you can be the savior for yourself and others…can you just imagine saying that to Jesus?  If not, then why say something like that or trust in the man who did? 

Why would your thanks and adoration go towards the words of a mere man when they should be going toward God?  This man just told them to do something that was diametrically opposed to what God said in His word!