Mark Sorensen Many manufacturers are going to great lengths to protect themselves from getting sued. As a result, many companies now include stunningly obvious warnings about their products. Apparently, there’s a yearly award that goes out to the obvious warning label winners and, if you haven’t seen any of the all-star warning winners, they’re a hoot.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Remove child before folding – A warning label on a baby stroller
Danger: avoid death – A warning label on a small tractor
Harmful if swallowed – A warning on a brass fishing lure with a three-pronged hook
This product moves when used – A warning on a popular children’s scooter
May cause drowsiness – A warning label for Nytol, One-A-Night sleeping aids
Brilliant. Hey, we can’t be too cautious when it comes to our warning labels, can we? Let’s be honest. Some of us need big signs that state the obvious when it comes to the products we use and how to use them. Hey, I’m not too proud to say that I am one of them.
Think about this: how great would it be if God used the same warning labels when it comes to our Christian walk? Imagine if the choices and decisions we were confronted with on a daily basis had holy warning labels attached to them! Labels like, “Hey, this job interview is the one. I know it’s not what you thought you’d end up doing, but this is the one that’s perfect for you. Take it. – Love, God.” How about this one: “Warning: The relationship you’re in is a toxic one. You must take the following steps to get it back to where it needs to be or you might end up losing it. Keep Me in this and I will help you through it! – Love, God.” And then there’s this: You get in the car, your phone bings and you read the following: “Stop texting and driving. I am serious. I am looking forward to eternity with you, my child, but today you are going to get here sooner if you don’t stay off that phone! – Love, God.”
How great would it be if God’s plan was that white and black, right? Oftentimes, our walk with the Lord feels as if we’re confronted with a myriad of choices and not enough direction. So how do we discern God’s voice to get to where He ultimately wants us to be? What does it look like to hear God’s voice and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Greater, what happens if I make the wrong choice in my following the Lord? Can I get it wrong?
This Sunday, we begin a new series in the Harvest called, “Recalculating.” Over the next five weeks, we’ll look at stories of people who have stepped out in their walks with the Lord. Some of them got it right, others didn’t. Yet, on both sides of the coin, God still got them where they were supposed to be.
I love this series and think you will as well.
