Got It? Now "Get It"

In my last post I talked about how not to "get it and forget it." I'd like to expound on that thought for a minute to include the other areas of preparation. I ask, what good is acquiring ANYTHING if you don't know how to use it? Behold, I say unto you, there is no good. Leaving behind the physical we look at the other areas and things included therein.

Financial
In becoming financially prepared you tend to gather things like savings and retirement accounts, cash in a can, stocks, bonds, etc. Simply having these is not enough! You need to know the rules and how-to's of using them, and you need to have thought out a plan for when you would need to use them: what scenarios would call for it and, for example, when a complete withdrawal of funds would be appropriate.

Spiritual
Anybody can go to church, get baptized, and do the same thing every Sunday. There's much more than this to using and knowing your religion. If you're a Christian it's very important to remember that we are to obey ALL of the Lord's commandments, and there are quite a few! Study the Scriptures, learn what is asked of you (and more importantly, what has been done for you), and apply that knowledge. Make your religion something you ARE, not just something you do. This will make your soul prepared for the even the worst of times, for when you truly understand your faith you will find that the toils and strife of this world are merely for your growth and character, and will seem insignificant when you look back on it all in the next life (or even this one). One phrase I heard summed it up for me, "First, make covenants. Then, make swords."
Also, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

Medical
Having first-aid kits is great and all, but do you really know how to use one properly? Even the smallest kits cover a dozen or more minor medical problems. Do you know which ones and how to identify them? Are you prepared in your mind to not freak out if you witness major trauma (or, for some, just a drop or two of blood), but rather have the ability and willingness to jump in and save life and limb? One great way to study first aid is the Boy Scout Handbook. It covers many basic emergencies and their treatments in good detail. It is, after all, intended to be understood by teenagers! If you want more advanced knowledge there are first aid courses taught by (I believe) the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

Remember, knowledge is power. Without it, you are obviously powerless, and that's the exact opposite of what we want you to be. Keep sharp, stay calm, and God be with you!