IF YOU ARE ABOUT TO STUMBLE, WOULDN’T IT BE NICE TO RECEIVE A WARNING?

SCRIPTURE:
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear
the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked,
‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to 
dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, 
and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the 
wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die 
for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”
(Ezekiel 33:7-9)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever received advice you didn't like from a friend?
The advice may have been beneficial, but you just didn’t like it.
Did the person give you advice to make you mad, or did they 
give you advice even though he or she knew it would make you mad?
If the latter is true, 
then it shows the depth of concern the person has for you.

Since most people are non-confrontational, many avoid giving advice
because they know that it could result in someone being hostile toward them.
They know they should give someone a warning,
but chose not to because they didn’t want to deal with the drama.
They knew the person would not appreciate their advice,
even if it was for their own good.

If a person gives advice in a condescending manner
then their motivation might be in question.
But if a person shows genuine concern when giving a warning,
then their advice should be heeded.

If a Christian sees another going in a wrong direction, 
and especially if it involves sinful action, 
then they have a responsibility to warn the person.
It could be unethical business practices, a potential bad relationship, 
bad investments, blatant violation of God’s principles and commandments,
or any other action that is potentially harmful or sinful.

We all have to weigh the possibilities of how the other person will 
respond to our concerned and heartfelt advice, but at the end of the day, 
we need to warn them when they are going astray, or making bad decisions.
Why should we risk a friendship; shouldn’t we just avoid the conflict?
For Christians, 
the answer is, “No”, we shouldn’t fail to warn another person.

The reason is, 
God has called each of us to be a watchman, as He did Ezekiel.
He referred to Ezekiel as “son of man” which points to the fact
that he was not born of God, as Jesus was.
In other words, He was reminding Ezekiel that he is a human being.
If Ezekiel failed to warn someone, then he would be held accountable.
However if he did warn someone and they failed to heed his advice,
then he was not responsible for what happened to them.

ACTION:
How well do you accept advice and warnings from a caring, concerned friend?
Do you appreciate their advice and rethink your actions and plans,
or do you bristle up and respond in a vehement manner?
Instead of resenting their warnings, 
be appreciative of their love and concern.

If you are a believer, 
did you know that you are considered one of God’s watchmen?
Whenever you see another believer going in the wrong direction, 
you have a responsibility to let them know they are either violating, 
or will violate God’s Will.
Be sure to offer any advice or warnings in a respectful and caring manner.
Also, pray about it 
and be sure you the Lord is motivating you to speak to them.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank you for the watchmen in my life. Help me to respond
to their advice and warnings as I should. Help me to realize they have my 
best interest in mind and although they might feel uncomfortable confronting
me, they are doing it out of love and a responsibility to You. Forgive me 
if I have been guilty of making another believer have regrets due to the way
I responded. Give me wisdom and courage to be the kind of watchman You want 
me to be for other believers. Teach me to always warn and advise others with
a spirit of love, and never in a condescending manner. Help me to never be 
guilty of patronizing others when trying to warn them of the wrong things 
they are either doing, or planning to do. Thank You Lord, for loving me 
enough to provide watchmen for me.”