The Well

WARNING! DANGER AHEAD

In the 60's, Lost in Space was a TV show about a family of space travelers who lost their way. At some point this family rescued a man named Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith was always trying to get things done his way and every time the family ended up in trouble. The ship's computer did not like Mr. Smith, and every time Mr. Smith began to devise one of his schemes the computer would announce, "warning, warning." I can hear those words in my head right now.

This morning part of my reading was in Acts 10, when Peter was up on the house praying and received a vision from God. A voice from the vision told him to kill unclean animals and eat them, but Peter adamantly stated that he would never eat such animals. The voice continued teaching Peter, and it left Peter perplexed. Then God sent him on a journey to a Gentile's home, and as a result of his obedience many people were saved. From this point on, Peter's ministry was changed. His spiritual eyes were opened. The scriptures provide us a glimpse of a "warning" he accepted within himself. Acts 10:34 says, "Then Peter replied, 'I see very clearly that God doesn't show partiality.'"

As "prudent" Christians we need to pay close attention to our attitudes. On a day when Jesus was accused of healing people by the power of Satan, He took the opportunity to teach. Matthew 12:34-35 records Jesus' words, "You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart." In Matthew 10:38, 42, Jesus teaches, "If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. . .And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."

Peter's cross grew heavier as he experienced rejection from the Pharisees because he ate with Gentiles. The scriptures teach that this was something he struggled with off and on for the rest of his life. We too will struggle with a desire to be accepted in the eyes of the world. We should all pray that the Holy Spirit will announce, "warning, warning," when we start trying to gain esteem for ourselves in the place of reflecting all praise to the glory of God.

As we minister to, "the least of these," our hands may indeed get dirty. However, God provides an abundant supply of living water for us. The "danger ahead" for us is usually settling into our comfort zones and avoiding the very people who need to hear the Good News. Jesus wants to draw "all" men unto Himself, not just the lovely. Reach out to a hurting heart with His message of Hope today. The simpleton needs to know His love and learn how to stay on course.