Pastor Kermit Welty, Columbus First FMC (OH)

Warnings have become a constant companion for American citizens since the attacks on the Twin Towers on 9-11. We have learned of the Homeland Security Advisory System's warning levels: green, blue, yellow, orange and red. And while we may not fully grasp their meaning, we know that life has changed.

Beware the Ides of March
Shakespeare popularized the saying, "Beware the ides of March." The ides was a term derived from the Latin which meant to divide. Thus, the ides of a month marked the date of a full moon. Since the lunar calendar and the Roman calendar were different, the ides fell on a different day each month.

You may remember that Julius Caesar was warned to beware of the "ides of March" (March 15th) by his astrologer, Spurinna. It may be that since the ides fell on a different day each month, Caesar heeded the warning but chose to be wary on the wrong day. Or, it may also be that he chose to ignore the warning as being just a superstition.

Whatever his reason for failing to heed this counsel, Caesar was attacked and assassinated by his enemies on the ides of March. Perhaps if he had taken serious note of the warning — taking care to check out the details — he may have avoided an untimely death.

Beware the Warnings of Scripture
Scripture provides numerous warnings to believers. And like the warning given to Caesar, these warnings bear significant consequences if they go unheeded.

One of these warnings reminds us to guard ourselves against the leaven of the Pharisees (Luke 12:1), who strove to make people adhere to all of their regulations. We must make sure that in our reaching out to others, we introduce them to Jesus Christ and not to the many restrictions the Lord has led us to obey personally. The Pharisees were frequently condemned by Christ because of their self-righteousness.

Another warning — this one issued by Paul in Colossians 2:8 — is to avoid the manner in which the world thinks. As Christians, we are to make sure that our minds are changed. Paul tells us that to be worldly minded is death (Romans 8:6-8 and 13).

A third warning I consider significant is also from Paul. In 1 Corinthians 10:12, 14, he tells us not to become too comfortable, adding that we are to be careful so that we will not fall. He places the responsibility on us to make sure that we flee from idolatry.

But like Spurinna, Scripture can only issue the warnings — it is always up to us to respond with caution.