The annual “Wacky Warning Label” contest is held each year in Detroit near January 1st. It’s sponsored by the Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch. The contest is designed to show just how broken America’s civil justice system is, and to stop predatory lawyers from filing ridiculous claims against innocent product makers.
Some of the actual labels the top prize-winners submitted prove their point. On a T shirt iron-on decal this warning appeared: “Do not iron on while wearing shirt.” On a small storage pouch that attaches to a child’s stroller: “Do no put child in bag.” How about: “Vanishing fabric marker should not be used to sign legal documents.”
I’ve found some of my own, like this one for warning our daughters about unsuitable suitors (stamped clearly on his forehead) “His gene pool needs a little chlorine.” As a disclaimer on fad diet books: “You’ve fought too hard to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian.” On the dash boards of all cars: “Forget about world peace...visualize using your turn signal.” On your personal calendar: “Warning: distant dates are closer than they appear.” On the latest self-esteem books: “Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.” Wherever they sell lottery tickets: “The lottery is a tax on people who are bad at math.” On the refrigerator door: “Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself. On me when I’m acting a little crazy: “I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.”
God gives a lot of helpful warnings in His Word because He loves us so much. He tells us what paths lead to disease, destruction and death. And He points out the road to real living. Then He begs us to choose that pathway to real life: “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction…For I command you to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways…then you will live and increase and the Lord your God will bless you…I have set before you life and earth, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:15-19).
Will you hear and heed God’s life-giving warnings in His Word this New Year?
