Gentle Warnings…

When our kids were little, I told them that if I tried to get their attention by using their three initials instead of their name, it meant they were misbehaving and that they needed to stop.  I told them I would try to do it in a tone and volume as if it was just a typical way that I talked to them because it was not my goal to publicly embarrass or shame them.

I told the kids this was my way of gently warning them instead of scolding them publicly and that if they would change their behavior from the softer warning, that would be the end of it.

I was reminded of this as I was working on my inventory for my Celebrate Recovery Step Study (Men’s group) that includes confessing our past sins.

I believe God also offers us those soft and private warnings to turn from sin.  He doesn’t use our three initials or use all three of our names as generations of parents have done in the past, He uses His Word, His people and His Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin.

To my huge regret, there were times in my life when I didn’t pay attention to God trying to gently get my attention.  Times when God knew much sooner than I did that I was turning away from Him and turning toward sin and as I look back, I have to admit that He tried to get my attention and I ignored Him.  I am very sorry for that and I try to be as attentive as possible when God searches my heart and gently warns me about anything.  This is one reason daily confession is so important and so helpful.

I can also look back without any blame to God for my sin.  He has already done everything possible to earn my loyalty and my commitment to live like Him so my sin is my responsibility.

Is there anything in your life you’re doing that you know is wrong that you need to stop right now before it gets worse (and it will get worse)?  If so, please let this be a gentle warning you listen to to stop the sin.  John 5:14 may give us a picture of the alternative when Jesus said, “stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14)

Also, are there any good things you know you should be doing that you’re not doing?  If so, please also let this be your gentle warning to start doing what you know you should be doing as James 4:17 talks about.