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Tragic Arrogance

Brenda’s Blog – January 15, 2019

“I’ve got this…”

The woman told me the story of her father’s death following surgery. As the details unfolded I thought how very much they apply to our lives, as well.

The experienced anesthesiologist didn’t want to be bothered by the alarms on the monitors in the operating rooms. “I have done this over and over and I don’t need to hear those alarms going off. I’ve got this,” he said as he flipped the switches, quieting the machine.

Sadly, the application of the tubing went awry and no alarms were activated to alert the medical staff until it was too late. The operation was a success, but the patient died.

Don’t we have systems for living? What safety measures have you taken to protect your marriage, your health, your career? Have you ever thought, “I’ve got this!” and silenced the buzzers? Too many fall off cliffs thinking they are experts.

“This one time won’t matter.” Step one in flipping off the alarms.

I once talked with a young man who is deep into drugs and alcohol. I asked him if he could remember back to the beginning. “Do you remember hesitating at all? Do you remember thinking twice?” He answered in the affirmative thinking he was above addiction…. “he had it.” Now the substances have him.

How can we protect ourselves? Thinking about long term goals and the dangers to their achievement is a good start. Understanding the principles underlying good and godly living is helpful. And of course, being part of an accountability relationship which lovingly helps you watch your steps.

I have often heard the enemy doesn’t attack us in our weaknesses, but in our strengths. He convinces us we don’t need the alarms – we are strong enough, smart enough, and spiritual enough to handle the day to day.

Keep the switches on! The alarm bells may be the difference between wise living and the way of the fool.

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