Warning: Trouble Ahead

admonition - Warning: Trouble Ahead

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Psalm 25:9, NIV

There are many warning signs in life. Signs that read “DO NOT ENTER,” “DON’T WALK,” “CAUTION,” or “DANGER AHEAD” are put in place to help us avoid dangerous situations.

I (David) must confess that I have a difficult time heeding warning signs. I see “CAUTION—ICE ON BRIDGE” and speed on, only to slide out of control. I see “DON’T WALK” and think, Oh, I’ll ignore this warning just this once! I see “DANGER AHEAD” and barrel on through, oblivious to the hazards that lay ahead.

In His written Word, the Bible, God has given me plenty of warnings to help me avoid danger zones in my marriage. I have to admit that there have been times when I failed to pay heed to those warnings as well. For example, in Ephesians, He tells me to “let no unwholesome word proceed from [my] mouth,” but only those that “give grace” (4:29, NASB). But I have to wonder how many fights with Teresa I could have avoided had I only paid attention to this warning. In 1 Timothy, God tells me to avoid the foolish pursuit of money (6:9-10). But I wonder how many conflicts I could have avoided had I given priority to my relationship with my wife and not to money.

The Word of God gives us all the guidance we need to keep our relationships—relationships with imperfect people, including our spouses—on the right track. It is in that Word that we find not just encouragement to do what we should, but warnings against what we should avoid.

In your reading of God’s Word, what admonitions have you seen that you can apply to your marriage?