May 1, 2019

Humans have a tendency to ignore warnings. The pattern started in the Garden of Eden with the first couple. Despite a direct statement from Creator God, they failed to heed the one limitation He placed on them. One would think that with all of the benefits and blessings surrounding them, they could have followed just one warning and stayed away from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But they did not.

When sin entered their lives, the issue of ignoring warnings only increased. A few thousand years of history show a continuing problem. Humans just do not like to have boundaries. When warned to stay within them ‒ even by Creator God ‒ they will find a way to move beyond them.

Our society has made amazing advances in helping us to enjoy a healthy life. While some diseases are yet to be conquered, we have the benefit of research to teach us how to live longer and better.

Years ago, we learned that smoking causes cancer. The warning is printed on the packages, but I am amazed at the number of people who ignore this warning. Obesity contributes to many health challenges, but the fast food business continues to expand. Exercise is part of God’s design to keep our body healthy, but many of us drive to a destination that is within easy walking distance.

The most serious warning that the majority of people ignore is the consequence of rejecting Savior Jesus. The Bible is so clear in telling us that we are sinners in need of Jesus and that He is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). To reject Him is to choose eternal separation from Creator God.

We can ignore daily warnings and reap temporal consequences, but to ignore God’s warning of the penalty for sin is an eternal loss. His warnings should not be ignored.

Pastor Bill Ehmann