Red Flags
We hear a lot about red flags when it comes to other people, warning signs that should give us pause before we move forward in a relationship or friendship. But what about our own red flags? Do we take the time to examine ourselves and work on the areas where we fall short?
The Bible gives us three red flags to watch out for in ourselves: pride, anger, and lust. These are areas where we are prone to stumble and fall, and if left unchecked, they can cause us problems in our relationships, especially in marriage.
Let's take a closer look at each of these red flags. Pride is an excessive focus on our own abilities and accomplishments. When we are prideful, we can become arrogant and self-centered, which can damage our relationships. Proverbs 16:18 warns us that "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." We need to be humble and acknowledge that all good things come from God.
Anger is another red flag that we need to watch out for. James 1:19-20 advises us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." When we are quick to anger, we can say and do things that we later regret. Instead, we should strive to control our emotions and respond to situations with patience and grace.
Finally, the Bible warns us against giving in to our desires and passions, particularly those that lead us away from God's will. In 1 John 2:16, we are told that "everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." We need to guard our hearts and minds against temptation and seek to live a pure and holy life.
As singles, it's important to work on these red flags before we enter into marriage. But even if we're already married, it's never too late to start working on ourselves. The more we give these areas to Jesus and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to bring transformation, the more our marriages will become a blessed environment that gives us joy beyond measure.
So let's take a moment to examine ourselves and ask God to reveal any red flags that we need to work on. With His help, we can overcome these areas of weakness and become the best version of ourselves, both for our own benefit and for the benefit of those around us.