GOD’S WORDS OF WARNING

“Therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them WARNING from Me” – Ezekiel 3:17b

It is from His Heart of Love that GOD’S WORDS of WARNING flow to His people: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them WARNING from Me” (Eze.3:17). While warnings might not always provoke positive thoughts or feelings, they often spare us from avoidable hardship and pain. The act of warning others is actually a demonstration of love and care for our neighbour. If we know that a particular action or practice is harmful, then the most unloving thing that we could do is to fail to warn others about it. In the natural, warnings are everywhere: on medicines, food packages, and by roadsides. Some warnings are light, while others are weighty and can be a matter of life or death; for examples: ‘Wet floor’, ‘Caution High Voltage’ or ‘Dangerous Curves Ahead’.

If there was a road in a town that regularly caused people to drive off of a cliff, warning signs would be posted everywhere. Yet, some people selectively take some warnings seriously but ignore others, thinking they know better. It is the height of folly to think that one is invincible and therefore ignore warnings. That’s a ruinous attitude if it is extended to God’s warnings. If we take heed to the warnings of men, how much more divine warnings? God does not warn to make us fearful or fretful, but to keep us from evil, secure us from danger, and protect us from harm. He knows what’s best in every situation because He sees the big picture. He understands what we need, when we need it, and why. Rejecting His warnings means rejecting His wisdom, caution, care and protection. We can’t afford to be without His vital aids in a dangerous, precarious world.

Jesus frequently warned His followers about destructive teachings and the signs of the end (Mt.  16:6; Mt.24: 5-12). Paul warned the churches about end-time apostasy (1Tim.4: 1-3; 2Tim.3: 1-5, 13, 4:4). Peter also warned about last day scoffers (2Pet. 2:1, 3:3). Scriptures warn us to: Abhor laziness (Rom.12:11); avoid sexual temptation and the Peril of Adultery (Pro.5: 3-5, 8-9); avoid destructive thoughts and speech (1Pet.2:1; James 3: 1-12); flee youthful lusts (2Tim.2:22); be humble before God (Jam.4:6-10); and “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire” (Heb.12: 28b-29).

God’s Word is the lamp to our feet and light to our path (Psa.119:105). His word alerts us of dangers ahead so that we do not lose our rewards: “Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward” (Psa.19:11). He warns us of slippery slopes or imminent falls. He guides us when we are too busy with life and unwary of gaping pits. It can be tragic if God sends us warning signs but we trivialize them, convincing ourselves that we can handle whatever is coming! Through His Word, God graciously reminds us to take caution and be alert: “Whom we preach, WARNING every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col.1:28).

Beloved, has God given you a word of warning or counsel lately? It might have come through your spouse, parent, pastor, teacher, coach, friend, or even your child! It could pertain to anything from career to relationships, from financial matters to your spiritual well-being. If you’ve disregarded the warning with little or no thought, you might be wise to reconsider. Whether the advice turns out to be worthy or not, at least give it fair consideration so you can make a more informed decision. In case you’ve fallen before, God’s guidance never ceases. If we ask, He will increase our discernment so that we can heed His warnings. But it takes a spirit of humility rather than pride, to take heed to warnings about particular situations in our lives.