Act Now on What You Hear

What comes to mind when you hear a countdown of three…two…one? How about a sporting event coming to an end? Or a parent warning his child just before correction? Have you ever taken lightly a warning of possible punishment, and regretted it?

This is what human beings do naturally.

What is the end result of not heeding a warning?

In Proverbs 29:1, King Solomon wrote, “He, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

Think carefully about this statement. Troublesome times can suddenly spring up, and there may not be a way out. Do you recognize when you have been granted your last opportunity to change? If you defy reprimand, you have just made the choice to invite an unpleasant outcome.

Through childhood and teen years, your parents have given warnings to correct bad behavior and to caution you about the dangers in society. Why do they do this? So you will make correct decisions and stay out of trouble.

God’s Word is filled with warnings. If one chooses not to obey God, he should understand that punishment is the only other option. The result of heeding God’s warning on any matter brings about blessings.

When you realize you need to change—take action! Being aware of what you should do and why amounts to nothing if you do not act. An example from your Bible is when Solomon disobeyed God’s warning not to marry heathen women. By hardening his heart—disobeying God—he permitted his many wives to influence his faithfulness toward God. Yet his “conclusion of the whole matter” was “to fear God” and do what He says.

Developing a hardened heart does not happen suddenly. It is the result of resisting God’s will over and over again. How useless is a hardened heart to God? As useless as a hardened loaf of bread or a dry lump of clay, which are thrown out because they are of no value.

Do not delay until “just the right time” to turn to God—now is the time! Every day is an opportunity to change. Strive to listen to and obey your parents’ instructions and warnings. This alone will help guide you to obey God. Holy, righteous character is built, and blessings result, from this most important factor: obedience!

If you choose to disobey your parents—not receiving reproof, and hardening your neck—it will in time result in confusion and destruction. Your parents have chosen to obey God’s Word and take heed to His warnings. Follow their example and bring order, safety and security to your life.