6 Ways We Can Be Distracted from Danger Warnings!


 TODAY'S PROVERB: But he does not know that the dead are there—her guests are in the depths of Sheol. Proverbs 9:18

There are gateways to pain and sorrow and death--and inconvenience. Gateways that we can avoid if we pay attention. 

Danger zones can be marked with signage like slowing down for a tight curve. But, I believe GOD places indicators that we're in a dangerous place. Some of these are obvious, like do not steal, or lie, or commit adultery. Others are more subtle. 

Wisdom tells us to pay attention to all warnings. This means being aware of our surroundings and sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

When we're distracted, we can miss those signals that danger is around the corner. 

What are things that can distract us?
  1. Being hyper-focused. Sometimes we can become so engrossed in an activity we miss obvious dangers. Using electronics (cells, computers, etc.) are common tools to keep us in a hyper-focused state. Entertainment, too. 
  2. Being tired/sleepy. We are more likely to stumble and fall when we're tired. We're also not as observant. One in six crashes with fatalities are caused by a drowsy driver, especially young people.
  3. Being sick. When we're not feeling well we're more susceptible to making mistakes. We miss important cues like how often we take medication. If I don't chart medications after surgery or being ill I can miss medication or over-medicate. 
  4. Pride. Yes, pride can lull us into a false sense of control. We don't think we have to pay attention because we have a bead on everything. Trouble is, we can ignore GOD's warnings.
  5. Being lazy/apathetic. Thinking it's not a big deal to pay attention to our surroundings is also dangerous. Not picking up junior's Legos at the end of the day, could mean injury when we get up the next morning and step on them. Not buckling our seat-belt because we're only a few miles to the grocery store could mean we're unrestrained during a sudden stop.
  6. Doubt. Have you ever felt you were being watched? Or have goosebumps walking at night? Science has tried to reason why some people feel the presence of danger before it presents itself. I believe the Holy Spirit warns us. I've ignored or doubted these warnings and gotten lost or encountered some unsavory people.
I guess all this is my way of "warning" us to pay attention to the warnings GOD gives us. And when we're tired or sick to be even more cautious of what goes on around us--or stay in bed! It will be safer for all of us. 

May we pay attention to the danger warnings, my friends.

Proverbs 9:18, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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