Beware! The word is not a casual suggestion. It is urging us to open our eyes to see what we would most likely overlook.

It is a warning of dangerous stuff — ocean riptides, guard dogs, alligators. This is more than a sign on a park bench: "Wet Paint - Do Not Sit on Bench."

Warnings alert us to the fact that we are entering a zone of unavoidable consequences. Ignore the warnings, and we will be up to our kneecaps in alligators before we realize it.

In the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 8, Moses reminded God’s people of how God had provided for them, protected them and gave them a future.

Instead of responding in humility and gratitude for what He had done, they often forgot that God was the source of it all. When they forgot God, they no longer obeyed Him.

So why is this so dangerous? Obedience is a relational issue with God, not just a list of do’s and don’ts.

God will never reject those who have genuinely given their lives to Him. But when we disobey His instructions, we throw a wedge into our relationship with Him. As a result, we avoid Him, discount Him and close Him off from parts of our lives.

Locker rooms are filled with professional athletes at the pinnacle of their sport who have no time for God. Their success, accomplishments and material gain became the focus, not the One who gave it to them.

The apostle Paul would say to them, “What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own?” (1 Corinthians 4:7, Living Bible).

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude so you don’t forget God, His provision and His goodness.