~By Sharon Czerwien
Recently, my kiddos and I were out running errands. We came across some hefty construction in a major intersection. There were bumps involved for sure! I (perhaps) drove a little bit too fast over a big one because I was not expecting such a big bump in a major intersection.
Well, I had been warned moments before, though. There were ample construction-based warning signs. Thankfully, my tires were not harmed in the process. Plus, my son loved the experience, especially since he was sitting in the very back of our minivan.
Well, we had to drive through this intersection again when returning home. This time, I took the construction warning signs a bit more seriously. After all, in every direction, drivers took their turns unbelievably—though wisely—slow!
Honestly, driving through that chaotic and bumpy intersection was a true adventure for my children. As a matter of fact, we made a group decision to take the nearest U-turn and drive through the construction zone for another go.
I am assuming that my husband thought we were crazy when we later told him our day’s adventures! Thankfully, there was no damage from our three sets of bumpy construction drive-throughs.
Though I am crazy and apparently enjoy driving through bumpy constructions zones with my children, I am surely cautious enough to never drive purposely into a restricted or dangerous driving area (yes, I may have accidentally done some doozies, but those do not count).
I figure there is a big difference between a construction sign that reads “Caution Bumps Ahead” compared to “Road Closed Ahead” or “Danger Do Not Enter, Hazardous Zone Ahead.”
Construction zones and signs have purpose. Are they not designed to warn and communicate something important for our good?
The Spiritual Takeaway
God is very gracious to warn us about the dangers of sin. He also shows us a course of action when we mess up along the way.
Here are three encouraging Bible passages that can act as safety or warning signs to protect us spiritually:
1. Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on (Prov. 4:14-15, NKJV).
In these two verses, we learn about concise spiritual safety signs for how to stay clear of destructive sin.
· Do not go towards sin.
· Avoid sin.
· Turn away from sin.
Similar ideas can be found in Proverbs 1:15; 16:17, 22:3; 27:12.
2. Psalm 19:7-11
In these verses, the Word of God proves to be very beneficial. In verse 10, it reads how the Word of God should be desired more than fine gold, but WHY??? Here is the big benefit of paying attention to what God’s Word teaches:
“Moreover by them your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward” (Ps. 19:11, NKJV).
God’s Word showcases important spiritual warnings so that we can live a life of spiritual peace (plus, live in a way that pleases God).
3. Psalm 119:9
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (NKJV).
We are human, of course. We do not always follow God’s warnings which are designed to be our spiritual protections. However, when we mess up and ignore God’s warning signs, He gives us the opportunity to get back on track. Once we begin to follow God’s ways again, we can steer clear of those spiritual dangers.
Concluding Thoughts
God has placed the warning signs at our eye level. We have been given gracious warnings to steer clear of sinful life patterns.
Spiritually-speaking, let’s not underscore what these warning signs mean for our spiritual protection. Let’s take God’s warning signs (and the Bible verses above) seriously!
Drive easy and let’s keep our eyes focused,
~Sharon