Oh Be Careful . . .

By Donna Wittlif   “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23, ESV).     One of my favorite cartoons is “The Family Circus.” Sunday’s paper showed Billy turning around and around. Then we see him lying on the floor beside his dog, Barfy. “I learned that from you, Barfy,” he says. “Turn around three times before lying down.”     We learn everything through our senses, but mostly by seeing and hearing. My son informed me that my ten-year-old grandson has learned much from his classmates that no kid his age should know. Already his mind is being turned away from God.     Every child should be taught the children’s song “Be Careful Little Eyes What You See.” Every adult should know it and sing it no matter how old he or she is. Sadly, it is not so. What a person sees usually stays in his heart. Proverbs 30:17 speaks of “the eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother.” Teachers and law officials know that there are many young children who have no respect for God or man.     “Be careful little ears what you hear” starts the second verse. At the transfiguration, God spoke, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Most children and adults alike want to hear everything but the gospel.     The third verse begins with “Be careful little feet where you go.” How true are Jesus’ words. “For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13). Most choose to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.     The fields are ready for harvest. Whether we teach the children or their parents, it is not too late. May we not become weary or discouraged and stop taking God’s word to our family, friends, and neighbors.

- Donna Wittlif, the founder and first editor of BulletinGold, lives in Denver, CO. Donna is also a writer of fiction. Her novels, World Eternal: Promises and World Eternal: Proselytes, and World Eternal: Perils, and her newest book, Finding Her Heart, are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book outlets. For more information visit her website. http://www.donnarwittlif.com/