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Ignoring a problem won’t make it go away. What the Bible says about warnings and why they shouldn’t be ignored.
Things in your life might be falling apart or maybe problems keep arising. There may be what feels like constant problems. Not a day goes by where there isn’t one. Luckily, we are usually given warnings before problems escalate. We shouldn’t ignore the warnings. Whether the problem is anticipated or unexpected, new or ongoing- ignoring it won’t make it go away. Ignoring or avoiding the problem will often result in unavoidable consequences that probably wouldn’t have happened if we wouldn’t have avoided it. We should have handled the situation sooner.
Ignoring Warnings and What The Bible Says
In Ezekiel Chapter 21: 1-10, The Sword of the Lord, God warns of judgement. God tells Ezekiel that judgement is coming to Jerusalem because of sin, injustice and rebellion against God. By the time we get to Ezekiel God has sent many prophets and has warned Jerusalem several times through them. He gave them several chances to change but he warned them for the final time that an unavoidable collapse was coming. They again ignored his warnings and things kept getting worse. Eventually Jerusalem is destroyed due to long-term disobedience. God kept giving them chances to change and to fix what they had broken, but they ignored this.
How This Connects to Ignoring Warnings In Life
This relates to life in several ways. It can be related to society as a whole and all of the immorality and corruption that exists. But it can also be related to us on a more personal level- ignoring problems doesn’t make them go away. It only makes the outcome stronger. There are truths and realities we can try to ignore but it won’t be long until it catches up to us.
What the Sword Represents
The sword symbolizes consequences, harsh consequences. It represents outcomes that can’t be avoided. The sword represents the aftermath of avoiding and ignoring a problem so long that the situation has reached a breaking point. It is far too late to avoid an impact. There is no going back.
A Real Life Example of Ignoring Warnings
If you’re having car trouble and you don’t take it to the mechanic, it will only get worse, the car won’t fix itself. It may have been driving funny the past few days, but you keep driving on. The days turn into weeks and then months- eventually the car breaks down. You didn’t take it to the mechanic, not even after you knew there was a problem. You didn’t try to see what was wrong with the vehicle even after all of the dashboard warning lights came on, and even after the car started to drive differently. You still didn’t have it checked. Eventually the car broke down.
The condition of the car became worse because warning signs that the car was in trouble were ignored. Now, even more repairs are needed and it will be even more costly. This is all because you didn’t have the car checked. Even after several dashboard warning lights came on. Even after you felt the car driving differently. You still ignored all of the warning signs- even when they were right in front of you.
Ways Ignoring Warnings Shows Up In Real Life
1. Health Problems
We know our bodies and sometimes not feeling good just means taking some OTC medicine and a nap. But if you aren’t feeling well and are ignoring unfamiliar symptoms that are worsening with time, you shouldn’t avoid a trip to the doctor. Avoidance can make the outcome more serious. By addressing the concerns earlier, you can also take preventative measures to avoid a more serious outcome if needed.
2. Money and Debt
Managing finances can be a major challenge. Ignoring budget issues can lead to financial stress and hardship. Ignoring debt will only make interest build and it’ll be more costly in the long run. If money is tight, allowing bills to pile up and ignoring payment due dates will negatively impact your credit. Avoiding the state of your finances and avoiding putting together a budget or plan will result in credit consequences that can stay with you for the unforeseeable future. It’s easy to avoid diving into your finances especially if they aren’t where you think they should be. Ignoring them will only make the money problem bigger. Staying focused on solutions and not just the problems will help prevent it from becoming worse.
3. Relationships
In new relationships ignoring red flags can lead to regrets, especially if the relationship leads to a bigger commitment like marriage. If something doesn’t seem or feel right about a person, addressing the concern right away is the best way to go. Avoiding conflicts by ignoring or not expressing your feelings can cause resentment. Ignorance and avoidance can cause conflicts and even more miscommunication. Ignoring warnings in relationships will lead to a breakdown and can result in undesired outcomes.
4. Work Life
We often have problems at work. Some can be hesitant to address work issues for fear of retaliation or sounding like a complainer. The problems can linger on and became worse with time. Depending on the situation, if we’ve exhausted all efforts to resolve it on our own, we may talk to management. Staying silent about serious matters on the job may seem like a safe solution but it’s not always best. Avoiding tough conversations seems easier, but it won’t resolve anything. Any work problems should be addressed before they blow up and become bigger,
5. Home Maintenance and Repairs
Maintaining a home can be one of the most stressful things ever. Homes require regular maintenance but also big repairs with time. Ignoring issues like a leaking roof, water seeping into a basement, leaky pipes can all lead to even more serious issues down the road. Ignoring even little things like a broken doorknob or toilet can also lead to bigger issues that may be even more costly. Major home repairs can cost a fortune. It’s best to stop ignoring the problem, find out what the issue is and look for ways to fix it; before it becomes unfixable.
6. Mental Health
Ignoring stress will cause burnout. Avoiding and ignoring anxiety will lead to it escalating. Feelings of hopelessness, sadness and depression can lead to a serious mental health crisis. Avoiding mental health concerns will make the feelings louder internally. Seeking ways to manage these feelings and emotions right when they start is best. We should never avoid or ignore mental health.
Ignoring Warnings Won’t Make Problems Disappear
Ignorance is not bliss. Problems won’t disappear when ignored. They accumulate until they force attention. Putting things off isn’t the answer, doing this often makes the issue even worse. If we handle issues as they arise things will go smoother. The consequences will be less or non-existent. Consider each problem, issue or challenge a sign from God to make a change or adjustment. Each warning is a chance to make changes and adjustments. Ignoring warnings and avoiding problems will cause them to escalate.