seems like everything comes with a warning label nowadays, especially most foods and beverages.  I don’t pay that much attention though and there is a reason for that.  Most product labels which include the warnings if there are any, are very small and the print they contain is necessarily minuscule in order for the words to be able to fit onto the label.

so the words of warning don’t really stand out, they don’t really get anyone’s attention at all.  We might even need a magnifying glass to read them.  This kind of defeats the purpose of a warning, which is to get someone’s attention in order to warn them of some dire consequence or impending danger should they choose to consume or to use said product, before it is too late.  That’s the whole point of a warning, it needs to precede the anticipated action, so the person is aware of the consequence before they make their choice.

Tiny print on an obscure product label does not get the job done because it does not get anyone’s attention.  Whoever is in charge of protecting the unsuspecting consumer could take a lesson from the BUMP sign on my walking path.  Now there’s a warning no one can miss!  I have written in previous posts about this ever changing but ever present BUMP warning sign, which alerts me, the walker, to upcoming danger on the path that awaits me should I choose to continue on said path.

Wouldn’t it be helpful if life came with some warnings big enough and bold enough and bright enough (like my BUMP sign) to get my attention and to hold my attention long enough for me to receive the message containing the warning that would leave no doubt as to the danger ahead for me if I continue on the path I am currently taking.

There is truth to the expression “forewarned is forearmed”.  with that in mind I will share some warnings I wish were displayed boldly and brightly so that they would not be missed by myself or others who could benefit from a head’s up before it is too late.

These warnings, if heeded, would protect me from much pain and heartache.  If only these warnings were displayed as prominently as my BUMP sign  . . .

“danger – failure to forgive may damage your relationships”

“beware – hatred is hazardous to your health”

“look out for lies and those who tell them – don’t believe everything you hear – only the truth will set you free”

“proceed with care – entering gossip and slander zone”

“caution – selfishness and greed have been found to be harmful to your heart”

“enter at your own risk – bullying practiced here”

“cannot be held responsible for outcomes occurring apart from prayer”

“be on your guard – casting of stones may occur without warning”

these would certainly be helpful warnings to protect me from the consequences of continuing on a path of unforgiveness or of hatred or of selfishness etc.

God’s word has some warnings that I would do well to pay attention to,  such as

“Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them.”  (Deuteronomy 11:16)

“then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not take warning and the sword comes and takes his life, his blood will be on his own head.”   (Ezekiel 33:4)

“Then He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’ ”   (Luke 12:15)

“He (Jesus) told them this parable, ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees.  When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.  Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.’ ”  (Luke 21:29-31)

God’s warnings are pretty clear, I just have to pay attention to them.  I shouldn’t ignore them any more than I could miss or ignore my big, bold, bright blue (now yellow-gold) BUMP sign.

my Heavenly Father tells me,  “Listen to My instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.  Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching daily at My doors, waiting at My doorway.  For whoever finds Me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.  But whoever fails to find Me harms himself; all who hate Me love death.”  (Proverbs 8:33-36)

He also warns me saying, “Watch out that you are not deceived.  For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’  Do not follow them.  When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened.  These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”   (Luke 21:8-9)

Fortunately, I am walking with the One who knows the beginning from the end.  He is my guide on this journey.  He will not let my foot slip – He watches over me and He neither slumbers nor sleeps.  He hems me in behind and before.   (Psalm 121:3-4 & Psalm 139:5)

Although my path may be treacherous at times, I have this assurance –  “the God of all grace, who called me to His eternal glory in Christ, after I have suffered a little while, will Himself restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast.”  (1 Peter 5:10)

I just have to heed His warnings, which He provides in abundance throughout His living Word.

sincerely,            Grace Day