Stop, Look, Listen

From the old railroad crossings where the signs read – STOP, LOOK. LISTEN – we have come a long way. Now there are lights and crossing bars that keep one from being run over by a train. They stop one well before the train arrives and keep one there until it is well past. There is no question it is a better protection operation that in previous decades.

I am absolutely sure the Church of Jesus Christ needs to heed this old directive and add one more word to help make sure we are about the business of growing mature in the Faith. That word is Learn!

In Psalm 46:10 we hear: “Stop. . .(whatever it is you are doing), and know that I am God, exalted above the Nations, exalted on the Earth.” The simple Truth is that we are often too busy, or too distracted to stop and understand that God is still in charge of all things. Nothing escapes His attention or damages His control of every circumstance in life.

Isaiah 45:22 says: “Look to me and be saved. . .for I am God and there is no other.” If we don’t stop we won’t look. If we don’t look, we won’t see. If we don’t see and believe we will spend eternity separated from God, in an infinite punishment prepared for the Enemy and his hosts.

In Isaiah 46:3 God speaks: “Listen to me all. . .who have been sustained from the womb. . ..” For everyone who us alive there is one Way, one Truth, and one Life, and that is Jesus Christ, the Savior. who has revealed His design, will, and purpose in His Word. Listening is required.

And that fourth word is found in Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me. . . .”  Far to many who come to faith in Christ (that is, born again) never move past the infancy of discovering life in Christ. Similar to “failure to thrive” in babies of any species, infants (Spiritually speaking) who choose not to learn the Truth God has revealed in His Word, His World, and His Wonderful presence, discover only loss and despair in their daily walk.

Failure to stop, look and listen at the railroad crossing, mostly in years past,  frequently resulted in very serious problems, up to and including “death by train.” When those who are Believers (born again children of God) miss the last step (while their life will not be lost for eternity), there are very serious problems that develop both for the individually, and for the Body of Christ collectively.

STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, LEARN! Do it now!!