Instead of heeding warnings, people often become angry and attack or reject the source of the warning. This is especially true in religion. People even ridicule or persecute those who show them their errors.
The Story
In 1938 a huge hurricane hit New England with winds of 200 MPH. 700 people died and 63,000 were left homeless. (The U.S. Weather Bureau was in its infancy then; no warning had been issued.) The following story is told about a man who lived on Long Island, New York:
On the morning of the disaster he had received [by mail] a barometer he had [ordered] … While unpacking it, he was irritated to see that the needle pointed to the place on the dial which read “Hurricanes and Tornadoes.” First he shook it and then he banged it against the wall, but the needle wouldn’t budge. Annoyed, he repacked it and drove to the post office to mail it back. While he was gone his house blew away. (via Words of Life, 12/20/1987)
The moral of the story is that you cannot eliminate the reality of danger by getting angry and even attacking the source that warns you.
Applications
Today, the Bible warns people of the danger of sin, but many people refuse to listen. Some attack the Bible as false or out-of-date or they ridicule or even persecute Bible teachers. Others simply ignore the Bible or laugh it off as a joke. People do this with many Bible teachings.
Judgment and eternal destinies
Matthew 25:31-33,46 – Someday Jesus will return and judge all people from all nations. The wicked will receive eternal punishment, but the righteous eternal life.
Many people ignore or ridicule this warning. But like the man with the barometer, ignoring or attacking the source that warns us does not eliminate the reality of the danger.
Morality
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, etc. will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Many people deny these warnings. They assure us that drinking, homosexuality, adultery do not condemn. Some ridicule and attack those who warn about the danger.
But like the man with the barometer, ignoring or attacking the source that warns us does not eliminate the danger.
The church and worship
Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47 – The gospel says that Jesus built His church (one church) and He adds all saved people to it.
Matthew 15:9 – Following human doctrines makes our worship vain.
Many ignore these teachings. They tell people to join the church of their choice. Or it doesn’t matter how you worship so long as you worship the true God. Others ridicule those who teach the importance of the true church and true worship.
But like the man with the barometer, ignoring or attacking the source that warns us does not eliminate the danger.
Baptism
Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38 – Jesus taught that He who believes and is baptized shall be saved. Peter taught on Pentecost that we must all repent and be baptized for remission of sins.
But many deny this teaching. They say we are saved just by believing. Others say it does not matter how you are baptized. Others ridicule those who teach the importance of baptism.
But like the man with the barometer, ignoring or attacking the source that warns us does not eliminate the danger.
Conclusion
The good news is that the Bible does not just warn about danger. It also provides a way to escape the danger. We can be forgiven of our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ, if we are willing to believe in Jesus, repent of sin, confess Christ, be baptized to receive forgiveness, and then live a life of faithful service.
What have you done with the warnings of God’s word? Jesus said regarding those who do not obey His teaching, their spiritual house will fall in the rains and wind (Matthew 7:24-27). The only way for your house to stand is to hear and obey His gospel. Have you done so?
(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 2022; gospelway.com
