I chewed tobacco from the time I was 14 up until about 27. I knew it wasn’t good for me but I loved the stuff. I understood the risks and warnings, but ignored them because I enjoyed it so much.
Then I sat in the dentists chair and heard some really bad news. He looked me straight in the eyes and told me there were pre-cancerous signs in my gums. I had been scolded by dentists before but this time I could tell he was serious.
His warning was designed to make me want to quit. He wasn’t trying to rub salt in my wounds and beat me up over all the chewing I had done. He was trying to help me realize how dangerous it was and how close I was to reaping serious negative consequences for it. He was motivated by genuine concern.
The same is true for the doctor who warns his patient that his eating habits and lack of exercise make him a prime candidate for a heart attack.
Call them fear tactics if you will but those are legitimate fear tactics.
Did you ever wonder why the Bible mentions hell so often? Jesus warned of hell more than he spoke of heaven. Why?
It’s because he doesn’t want anybody to go there, that’s why!
He’s not trying to beat anybody up. He’s not gleefully looking forward to anybody’s doom. He’s warning people to flee from the wrath that is to come. Flee for refuge and forgiveness so that you can escape the consequences of your sin.
Look what God says in Ezekiel 18:23, “Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?”
God doesn’t take pleasure in the death of the unrighteous. He pleads with them to come to him. His purpose is that they would turn and live. His warnings are motivated by genuine love. He has provided the escape route through the blood of Jesus Christ.
It’s ok to warn people if they can get a feel for your concern. Will you tell them about His love today?