We live in an information overloaded culture, and part of that information overload is warnings. We have so many warnings that it is hard to pay attention to them. We have so many warnings that we may fail to notice the ones that really count.
Lawsuits are to blame for our warning overload. Disposable coffee cups now warn us that coffee is hot. Everyone knows that coffee can be hot, but the infamous lawsuit against McDonald’s strikes fear in the hearts of everyone who sells coffee. So, we must be warned that coffee may be hot. Companies can no longer assume common sense.
Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch ran a contest for the wackiest warning labels over a number of years. Here are some of their winners.*
- A label on a baby stroller warns: “Remove child before folding.”
- A popular scooter for children warns: “This product moves when used.”
- A household iron warns users: “Never iron clothes while they are being worn.”
- A warning on an electric drill made for carpenters cautions: “This product not intended for use as a dental drill.”
- Warning label on a flushable toilet brush: “Do not use for personal hygiene.”
Like villagers in the story of the boy who called, “Wolf,” we may have trouble distinguishing the warnings that matter from the ones that don’t.
But the most important warnings have to do with our spiritual life. They are the warnings of scripture. Don’t let information overload and the rush of modern living keep you from considering and heeding the Bible’s warnings.
- Luke 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
- Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
- Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Spiritual danger exists unless the warnings are heeded.
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while today 