Beware!

BEWARE!

 

Beware of dogs . . . (Phil. 3:2 KJV).

 

During eighteen years as a pastor, I called on thousands of homes. one thing I learned right away was to read the signs posted on the doors of houses. one that never failed to gain my attention was "Beware of the dog." More than once I have walked away simply because of that sign. The reason goes back to my childhood.

 

As a boy of nine, trying to deliver the evening newspaper, I learned there are all kinds of dogs. There are loud, boisterous, barking dogs; snarling, growling, unfriendly dogs; bouncing, tail-wagging, hand-licking dogs; and sneaky, sulking, heel-nipping dogs. I learned to deal with almost all of them — except those for which people put out the sign "Beware!" I approached such houses with great caution, ready to run at any moment.

 

The Apostle Paul told the Philippians to "beware of dogs." He was warning them of evil-workers. He was saying, "There is danger here. Keep your eyes open, be alert and ready to take action." The word Paul used means to be aware of, to be on guard against, to see — not just with the physical eyes, but with the eyes of your understanding.

 

Too often, we become numb to the dangers around us. We live in a world which threatens the very existence of Christianity. A battle wages constantly for the hearts and minds of men. Are you alert and ready for action?

 

Life response: I will be mindful of the Holy Spirit’s warnings about my associations.