Most of us are familiar with warning signals in our cars. There are the ones that we tend to ignore, like the low fuel warning light, and then others that we need to take seriously, like the check engine light. My truck currently has two warning lights on that I’ve ignored for so long that I don’t even think about them anymore. I’m not going to tell you which ones.
Anyway, that makes me think about the warning signals that we ignore in our Christian lives. The first one is fairly obvious: neglecting to spend time in fellowship with God. I’ll be the first to admit that some days are much harder than others to commune with God, but a continuous lack of desire to be in His Word and to pray should raise red flags. We were designed to worship and we will worship something. If that something isn’t God, we have to ask ourselves, “Why?”
The second is neglecting to spend time in fellowship with God’s people. Time with other believers isn’t just a good idea, it is biblically mandated (Heb. 10:24-25) and vital for maturity. We might not want to admit it, but we need each other. Plus, we have each been uniquely gifted for the benefit of the church (1 Cor. 12:7). Simply put: we can’t serve the Body if we aren’t connected to it.
The last one is probably the hardest to admit: changes to our character and community. Have you noticed that your peace, patience, and joy have been replaced by pressure, annoyance, and bitterness? Are you slower to call, text, or respond to other church members, while simultaneously holding it against them for not reaching out anymore? If that hits home, God may be sending a signal your way.
The reality is, ignoring these spiritual warning signals doesn’t make the problems go away. Like with cars, it just means the eventual breakdown will prove more costly. Perhaps it is time for us to pull over, accurately diagnose the problem, and turn to the Father for help. Let’s stop ignoring the warnings and start addressing what is really going on