Warning!

by Brad Kibler

If you haven't finished Joel, go ahead and do that today, otherwise you can read Obadiah.

Joel and Obadiah both gave warnings to the people they were sent to. How well do you respond when someone tries to give you a warning? If you're like me, it can depend on who is giving the warning, and how it is being delivered. If it is someone I know and trust then I am usually more receptive. Or if someone takes me aside to talk to me about something, I usually respond to that better than if someone is aggressive in their communication style.

How many warnings do we get everyday? If you watch the news or read the paper with any regularity, journalists barrage us with warning messages about what foods to not eat, what not to waste our money on, and what we need to do to avoid or prepare for a possible calamity. You get warning labels on food, medicine, toys, electronics, and other items we use everyday. When you drive, you are warned to stop, to yield, that there may be pedestrians crossing, children playing, bicyclists, upcoming traffic or construction.

But, how often do we get warnings about our relationships?

Warning: You are making this decision without considering what God would have you do.

Caution: This may distract you from spending quality time with your family.

Beware: You may think you can handle this, but you won't be able to on your own.

Watch Out: Your friend has something that is eating away at them that they are scared to share with anyone, be extra-attentive and pray for the right words to say.

U-Turn Ahead: You may be making plans right now to go a certain direction with your life, but you need to focus on what's of eternal importance since your present plans will soon come to an end.

Yield: Your quiet time is about to be interrupted by your child wanting to ask a seemingly unimportant question. Take the time for the latter without neglecting the former.

The Spirit that indwells us can tweak our conscience to not do something or it can prompt us to consider doing something we wouldn't normally do. The more we commune with God the better we get attuned to his warnings and prodding. Sometimes we get a prophet screaming of upcoming doom, sometimes we get a still small voice. Let's pay attention to God's warnings in whatever form they take today.