Cars have a warning system that has been greatly developed in recent years. It’s not just a light that comes on, but often a message generated to warn of a potential problem. In the spring here in Middle Tennessee, we check the weather forecast for early warnings of potential severe, tornadic weather. Our nation has a national defense early warning system for protection from the enemy—and you have an early warning system designed within you.
“Let your conscience be your guide.” Did Mom or Dad ever say that to you? God designed us with an onboard computer, the best in the world, and it has warning systems in it—one of which is a conscience. That system can be damaged or overridden (I Tim. 4:2), but when left to work properly, it will help warn against bad behavior. For it to work correctly, it must be exercised (Acts 24:16). We are to obey the laws of the land “for conscience’ sake” (Rom. 13:5). A good conscience will help one find and obey God (I Pet. 3:21).
One thing I’ve not always enjoyed is loving rebuke, but I have surely needed it many times! Loving rebuke from those who know us best is a very important warning system (Prov. 3:11–12). Note that God rebukes His children. A loving father to a son (Eph. 6:4), or a loving mother to her children, is a designed mechanism by our Creator to help us learn and do what is right. The proverb states that a true friend will help us through thoughtful, loving rebuke (Prov. 27:5–6). While we may not like it at first, it is a valuable early warning system that should be employed and appreciated.
Sometimes the storms of life can serve as an important warning system. Poverty and shame can be used to warn and, hopefully, correct us (Prov. 13:18). Have you ever thought about it? Most trouble we experience, we create for ourselves (Hosea 13:11). It begs the question, “Why don’t you leave well enough alone?” Bad choices can produce pain and suffering (Rom. 5:12). How we respond makes all the difference. Excuse-making is not the answer. Honest appraisal is the answer (II John 8). Remember the prodigal (Luke 15:11–32)? It took a pigpen to bring him “to himself” and produce humble penitence. Hard lesson—but it produced an attitude adjustment and a return to the Father. God allows trials and tribulations to prove us, and in those low moments, evaluation often is—and should be—made. Honest appraisal will help us grow and overcome to become what God would have us be.
God’s Word is the most important early warning system. In it, we learn from those who have gone before us. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” wrote the philosopher George Santayana in 1905. It is a worthy consideration. God has given us direction through the Book of books to warn us against doing that which is evil and harmful. It is by God’s instruction in His Word that understanding is accomplished (Psa. 119:97–104).
A warning system is put in place to keep us from falling and to help us overcome. The question is: will we study, learn, and heed that which is designed to save us?
David Hill
President
Tennessee Bible College