Danger Will Robinson

"Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!" To this day, I remember a phrase from a '60s TV show that obviously had a long-lasting impact upon my mind. It was from the show "Lost in Space." There was a robot that was a companion to young Will Robinson, and at times it would sense danger and foreboding and cry out "Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!" As with myself and many of the youth of my day, we often repeated this phrase at any sign of danger, and even unto this day, when my senses are up and I recognize a foreboding feeling within my spirit, that phrase races through my mind. Where does this sense come from? This sense of danger and foreboding are truly gifts from God; we have been provided this feeling in order to protect us from falling into the trappings of the enemy or those who seek to cause us harm (Romans 2:14). After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Lord sent to us the Holy Spirit to reinforce these senses and to provide us with an additional ability not of our own to recognize and avoid the trappings of sin and deception. However, in order to be aware and able to be under this influence, we must desire to know right from wrong and not only desire; we must also be willing to make the tough decisions and sacrifices required to avoid these pitfalls. The denying of our flesh, the standing for truth, the act of living what we know to be true—as opposed to living and making decisions based upon outside influences, opinion, or popularity—this is how we avoid danger. In the following and obeying of the Spirit, we avoid danger and pitfalls, yet in the process of satisfying our flesh, we move forward, unaware or uncaring of dangers and pitfalls, allowing ourselves to be tossed to and fro. While many believe this is acceptable and simply an act of ignorance or out of a desire to be all things to all men in order that they may know God, I say to you, "Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!" In our ever-changing world we see the manifestation of both complacency regarding morality and the desire to be accepted being played out on a daily basis. We see people like me, those who cry out warnings and consequences of such actions, becoming few and far between. The pain and frustration associated with seeing the danger that lies ahead of someone and doing all you can to prevent it, more often than not to no avail, are beyond description. The hurt from being misunderstood, being labeled as judgmental, not accepting, or more could, without the help and strength of the Holy Spirit, make one run to the hills, find a tree for shade, and simply give up; yet something drives us on. While the "Lost in Space" robot was incapable of emotion and love, out of its sense of duty and programming it would cry out when danger was near, not concerned about popularity or standing but simply knowing danger was nearby, and a warning must be sounded! We prophets and leaders of today cry out not only out of duty and love; we cry out because of the calling and passion God has placed within us for His children; children who more often than not will not listen. The desires and passions of the human body have become so intent on rebelling against God that truth is no longer the barometer; no, it has been replaced by acceptance and popularity; all signs of the last days before the return of Christ (2 Timothy 3). Today, I send out a warning, a word from the Word; a word to help some avoid the resulting consequences of their actions and disobedience. This word is in the book of Romans, chapter 1, verse 32. After speaking of the vile things people choose to do, acts of the flesh God hates and will judge, Paul finishes with this warning: "that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Paul, in the inspired Word of our God, is telling us that those who know sin to be sin and those who allow and approve of others who practice rebellion against God will be judged just as those who are rebelling. Do you see this? Do you get it? I recently read of a very well-known pastor who, along with another so-called pastor, performed the wedding of his homosexual son to his same-sex partner. Do you think God ordained this? I am not banging on homosexuality; let's go further. If I sell or endorse pornography, alcohol, or any behavior or act of rebellion that is against God's Word, I am just as guilty as those who openly rebel. If you claim to be a believer, you are told not to endorse, support, or show in any way approval or acceptance of behavior that is contrary to the Word of God. Those are not my words; they are His, our God's! If you need more Scripture to back up what I am claiming, here are a few: Romans 2:2, Ephesians 5:11–12, and Jude 1. No, it is not acceptable to God to stand by and watch sin run rampant. It is not okay to let your brother die and not come against that that is killing him. This, my friend, is not judgment, and the excuse of "judge not" will not work. You see, we are not to judge unless there are two or more witnesses, yet when people openly flaunt their rebellion against God there are many witnesses, and judgment has already befallen them. Yes, there is grace. Yes, there is repentance; hence, there is the hope of salvation, and "there but by the grace of God go I." "Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!" Do not accept those things that are against God on behalf of God for He does not accept them, and you who do will be judged, just as those who do them. Pastor Gene Burroughs, Missio Dei Navarre