The essence of preparedness is vividly illustrated through the metaphor of building a house, as taught by Jesus Christ. The wise builder, with foresight, dug deep and laid his foundation on rock, recognizing the forces of nature and understanding that his own efforts alone could not withstand every challenge. He considered the long-term perspective and the law of cause and effect, foreseeing potential troubles and determining the best way to mitigate risks. In contrast, the foolish builder, driven by a desire for instant gratification, chose earth or sand as his foundation, materials that require less effort and time. This shortsighted choice left him vulnerable to the floods of life, which strip away appearances and expose the true basis of one's foundation. True preparedness, therefore, involves not only hearing the sayings of Jesus Christ but also digging deep into them and putting them into practice, ensuring an enduring foundation capable of withstanding life's inevitable storms.

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the theme of preparedness is central to the distinction between the wise and the foolish. The wise virgins demonstrate forethought and dedication by carrying extra oil for their lamps, ensuring they are ready for the bridegroom's delayed arrival. Their preparation reflects a readiness for future needs, providing them with the hope and faith necessary to meet the bridegroom and enter the marriage feast. In contrast, the foolish virgins fail to prepare, carrying only enough oil to appear wise, showing a lack of spiritual concern for their future. Their careless attitude leads to spiritual negligence, as they do not recognize the need for diligence and perseverance. The refusal of the wise virgins to share their oil with the foolish underscores the personal nature of preparedness. No one can give another the works or faith they have cultivated; each must build their own through submission and obedience to Christ. Delaying this preparation risks eternal consequences, as illustrated by the finality of the door shutting at the wedding feast. The shutting of the door is fair, as all have ample time to prepare for the bridegroom's coming, with His delay offering even more opportunity. The lesson is clear: one must be vigilant and ready for the coming of the Son of Man, for the day and hour are unknown. As the prophet Amos urges, preparation to meet God is paramount, a call that resonates with urgency for all.

Herbert Armstrong emphasized the importance of living as though Christ might return at any moment, while also planning as if life will continue indefinitely. This dual approach underscores the need to be constantly prepared for sudden changes or the fulfillment of prophecy. The biblical principle of preparedness is evident in the warnings given by Paul and Peter to remain awake and alert to surrounding events and personal spiritual conditions. Falling asleep to these realities can lead to missed opportunities for readiness, as illustrated by the parable of the ten virgins who were unprepared when the critical moment arrived. God's instructions to humanity, starting with Adam and Eve, highlight the necessity of work and maintenance to prevent deterioration and ensure survival. This principle of dressing and keeping applies to both physical and spiritual realms, indicating that progress and preservation depend on active effort. Jesus Christ's teachings in Matthew 6 reinforce this by showing that even birds must forage for food, demonstrating that God provides, but expects cooperation through diligent effort. To passively wait for divine intervention without taking action is often foolish and presumptuous, ignoring God's clear instructions. The experiences of Paul further illustrate the need for preparedness through life's ups and downs. He learned to discipline himself in both prosperity and deprivation, maintaining contentment and faith in God's provision regardless of circumstances. This discipline enabled him to ride out storms, tightening his belt when necessary, and continuing forward. Historical examples, such as God sustaining Israel in the wilderness and providing for Elijah and Christ in dire situations, show that while God can supply needs miraculously, there are often times of scarcity that require endurance and prior preparation. Warnings in prophecy, as given by Jesus in the Olivet Prophecy and through watchmen like Ezekiel, are intended to motivate preparation. These alerts, whether for physical dangers like warfare or economic collapse, or spiritual readiness, urge individuals to take action and adjust their lives accordingly. God holds both the watchman and the hearer responsible for responding to these warnings. A prudent person heeds such cautions, exercising common sense and foresight, as exemplified by the ant in Proverbs 6, which prepares during good times for inevitable hardships. God's expectation of sensible preparation is further supported by biblical principles of storing provisions for future needs, ranging from a season's worth to longer reserves, as seen in Joseph's storage of grain for seven years. This foresight is not just spiritual but also practical, acknowledging that life includes cycles of abundance and scarcity. Jesus Christ in Luke 12 affirms that storing up against an evil day is acceptable, provided spiritual responsibilities and care for others are not neglected. Thus, preparedness, both physical and spiritual, remains a consistent biblical mandate, urging vigilance and proactive measures in the face of looming challenges.