Warnings

There were weather warnings of hurricanes, floods and tsunamis. There were warnings about diseases and there were warnings to cigarette smokers and beer drinkers. Warnings are good. They alert us to imminent danger, urging us to take precautions to protect life and limb. 

Did you hear any warnings about sin last week? Perhaps, but we are pretty sure many did not. Did you hear any warnings about the dangers of lying, of stealing or of sexual immorality? You heard the warnings if you read your Bible (1 Cor. 10:1-12; Eph. 4:17-32; Col. 3:1-11; Gal. 5:19-21).

Did you hear any cautions against doctrinal error last week? Perhaps, but most who heard about doctrine were probably told it matters more that they are sincere than it does about what they actually believe. God expects both a genuine heart and a pure faith that is guided by truth (Jn. 8:31-32; Jas. 1:21-27; Gal. 1:6-10). You heard the warnings against false teaching if you read your Bible last week (Matt. 7:15-20; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 2 Jn. 9-11).

Why don’t we hear more warnings of spiritual dangers? The obvious answer is because people love sin more than they love God. Then there are those who do not want to offend the offenders of righteousness. They say warning against sin is too negative and hurts the cause of Christ. It never enters their mind that a tornado warning is harmful. Such warnings are positive and essential. How much more essential are the warnings that protect our souls from sin and shelter us from spiritual harm? Such warnings are positive as well.