Most dictionaries and other sources agree that a common or general definition of precaution is an action taken in advance to prevent harm, danger, or a negative outcome.
Now is a good time for us to elevate and heighten our awareness regarding safety and security measures. This is not an attempt to instill fear in anyone or cause anyone to become paranoid. With all that is going on in this country, our states and communities, it would behoove us to be more alert as we function and travel in different environments. It is a suggestion that we take precautionary measures when we travel, who we hang out with, and where we socialize, etc.
Regardless of our age or where we find ourselves today or what time of year it is, there is wisdom in living a cautious life. Let me repeat what I have said earlier, “Being cautious does not mean we are fearful.” We Christians will quickly say we are not to fear, but again I remind us that there is space for caution.
Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 27:12 state: “The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.”
We are living some very evil and unprecedented times. Without a doubt, most of us have witnessed or heard about incidents recently that have boggled our minds. There was an article that was recently published about the increased number of hangings of Blacks. Who would have thought that in the year 2026, America would have to address such atrocious racial problems. In the past, we have heard about isolated cases of hangings, but with the number being on the increase, there is reason to use precaution.
We are living in a time when it is challenging to trust everyone. We must change some of our common practices so that we may not become a victim of unnecessary harm and danger. It is almost to the point that we must scrutinize all of our actions that involve other people, especially strangers. Of course, we could go overboard regarding this subject matter, but let’s think wisely before we place ourselves in positions of unnecessary harm. Let’s not be naive and too laxed when it comes to our safety and well-being.
You may have heard about the suspicious death of an 18-year-old Black male, Nolan Wells, who lived in Mississippi. It was on July 4, 2026 that Wells took a boat trip with three of his supposedly good friends. Their destination was Horn Island on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Reports indicate that Nolan stayed behind on the remote island while his friends returned to the mainland. Hours later he was reported missing. Days later his body was found on the island by search teams. There are many unanswered questions regarding his death.
1 Peter 5:8 tells us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
There are some simple and common precautionary measures we may take that may save a life. Putting your seatbelt on is a precautionary action. If your vision is not as good as it once was, a precautionary action is to get home before it gets dark. Now that schools are open, we see lots of school buses on the highway. The driver activates the yellow lights on the bus as a precautionary measure.
Yes, we know that God covers us, but we should also understand that our faith works best when we use common sense and make wise decisions.
These are different times in which we live, and we must see things through a different set of lenses. There was a time we could leave our doors unlocked and keys in our cars. Those days are long gone. There was a time we could drive down highways, and everyone respected one another. Those days are no more.
There is an Old Testament passage in Leviticus 19:18 that says, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could get to the point where we could love everybody. If we did, we could live together in peace.
Jut my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
