When we’re driving along a road and we see a sign like the one above, it catches our attention (unless the driver is on the cell phone!). We look around for the danger. Are they blasting? is a bridge out? Is there high water? Was there a rock slide? We want to know why we’re being warned and what we should avoid.
Can you imagine a person finding that indeed there had been a rock slide ahead, but they decided to disregard the warning sign and proceeded to manipulate their car between the barricade, and then around the rocks, pebbles, and boulders? They would be headed for disaster! We might shake our heads, as we proceed safely away from the danger, able to continue – and even enjoy our safe drive.
Yesterday in Proverbs 4, I saw a warning sign. This warning said in six different ways to STAY OUT! It read:
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
What are we to avoid? The path of the wicked. Why should we avoid it? Verse 16 goes on to tell us –
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away,
unless they cause some to fall.
How do you know if you’re going the path of wicked or evil men? Look at what you’re doing. Is it bringing honor to the Lord or is it a command He told us to avoid? Would you be happy for Him to find you doing that or being in that place if He should come right now? Would your participation in this cause an unbeliever to scratch his head, wondering why you’re no different than they are?
If any of the answers to those questions would cause you to halt for just a moment about the show you’re watching, the place you’re going, the people with whom you are associating, etc., then heed the WARNING. To disregard the warning is to “drive” knowingly into the situation that will cause you to fall.
Don’t drive past the sign, oblivious to the danger! Take notice of the warning, then enjoy your drive!
With love,
RefreshHer 