Be Careful

“Be careful” is a typical ending-statement.  Whether it’s a reminder to take care on a long trip or going up and down stairs, we say it almost without thought but with genuine sincerity!

 

Just before crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land, God charged Israel’s new leader, Joshua, to be careful to follow God’s Laws “that Moses thy servant commanded you. Do not turn from It to the right hand or to the left.”  (1:7).   When I say “be careful” to Mr. Bill as he takes off on his four-wheeler or to the Grands as they run in the graveled driveway, I wonder if they really hear me or know how serious I am.  Joshua really heard God’s words; read how Joshua latter instructed (charged) Israel’s leaders as the tribes had received their inheritance – land where their families would settled permanently in their new homeland: “… you have seen all that the LORD our God has done to all these nations for your sake … Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from It neither to the right hand nor to the left … Be very careful, therefore, to love the LORD your God.” (Joshua 23:3, 6, 11).  It had been a long hard campaign to conquer the land and Joshua never failed once to remind the people it was the LORD Who fought for and subdued Israel’s enemies.  I am convinced Christians today are not careful enough in our pursuit to live holy.  We carelessly allow the enemy to deceive and lure us with cunning lies and brilliant distractions, drawing us further and further away from God and His Way.  God’s Word is key to keeping us close – helping us stay on-course, revealing Satan’s deceit.  This is how we are careful: be in The Word of God, day in and day out, and the Holy Spirit renders God’s words mighty and powerful against Satan’s lies and lures.  Joshua listened and was obedient to God’s warning to “be careful.”  Let us consider just how careful we are!