There are some warnings that we take more seriously than others. Have you noticed that? Some drivers don’t pay attention to warning signs on the road because, well, some warnings on the road are not as big a deal as other warnings. Some ignore warnings that pop up on their computers, because, well, it’s hard to tell which warnings are real and which are not.
It’s interesting that Paul used the word “warn” to talk about his efforts as a preacher. He told the elders from Ephesus that for “three years” he “did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). Think about that! Paul approached his work seriously, and he saw the need for all souls to repent and be saved as a critical matter. A part of preaching is “warning every man and teaching every man” (Col. 1:28). Christians are exhorted to “warn those who are unruly” (1 Thess. 5:14). Do we take these instructions seriously? Do we take the matter of warning others of the dangers ahead of them seriously? May God help us to not ignore His warnings!