Deep Warnings

For a couple of Sundays in April, I cycled across to Hetton Chapel from Salem Chapel to lead the service. My route is only 15 miles for I take a short cut through the villages of West Marton, Bank Newton, Gargrave and Flasby. Back lanes are much quieter than main roads though they are also less well maintained (which beggars belief considering the state of our main roads).

Somewhere around Bank Newton I saw a pothole. It was so deep that someone had placed a cone in it to warn motorists of its depth and therefore its danger. Because it had been filled with rainwater, the danger did not appear so great, for it lent it the appearance of a mere puddle. Had one driven through it, a damaged tyre or suspension would have been the likely result.

Something that looks innocuous and inoffensive may offer great danger. People can appear warm and helpful, but they may be vipers in the nest and wolves in woolly jumpers. Placing a cone in a deep hole is a warning to others, but spotting dangerous people is trickier. By their fruits we shall know them, and on our guard we ought to be.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8

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