Omens? No, I Don’t Believe in Omens!
Webster defines “omen” as “an occurrence or phenomenon believed to portend a future event.” Usually, the word “omen” is associated with some ominous event, a mysteriously foreboding or evil occurrence undesired and unwanted. Still, I just don’t believe in such things! To me, it borders on witchcraft or some other erroneous nonsense and is contrary to Solomon’s wisdom of Ecclesiastes 9:11. Further, when such events do happen, rather than fear them, I trust in God’s promise to His faithful ones, stated at Hebrews 13:5 – 6: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
But if I did believe in omens, this past week would greatly bother me! Nancy likes to please the neighbor boys (the youngest is 6) and so decorates for about any seasonal occasion just to hear Graham say, “I like that Neighbor Nan!” Well, this year she stood up three lighted snow figures – a little boy, and what she called Nana and Papaw. While the little boy and Nana have remained upright throughout this ordeal (thus far) Papaw has fallen over every day since he was first placed! The “real” Papaw has added staves to help the lighted Papaw stand, all to no avail thus far! (I added two more – we’ll see!) If I believed in omens, someone had best call the undertaker quick!
Isn’t it odd how folks think such things? This time of year, “willy worms” are said to be a measure of winter’s length, persimmon seeds a sign of winter’s severity (ice or snow), and the tightness of husks on the corn indicates the severity of the temperatures. Strangely enough, some will put absolute confidence in such “omens” and endeavor to prove it through various means. Ever notice their silence when the “signs” are wrong?
The same is true regarding spiritual things. Paul wrote, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1) I sure wish folks would read that passage with greater carefulness, and then read the rest of the chapter! Every faithful Christian knows the Lord is returning, but no one knows when (Matthew 24:36). So many want to use current events to insight fear into hearts that should not fear in the first place (remember Hebrews 13:5-6?). Sure, there will be folks thinking only of themselves in peace and safety, and that day shall overtake them as a thief in the night. But we are not children of darkness – we are children of light and need to walk as such! Evil ones love the darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19), and therefore, their deeds are in darkness. We must remember God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Christ Jesus! It is with these words we comfort one another and edify one another. Read the text, friends! (1 Thessalonians 5: 1 – 11) We don’t fear “omens!”
There is nothing greater than being a faithful Christian! Now note that: I said a FAITHFUL Christian! The one who thinks his/her attendance at services two or three times a week constitutes being a FAITHFUL Christian has lots to learn about faithfulness (not the least of which begins with 2 Peter 1: 1 – 11). FAITHFUL Christians understand the need to increase their faith daily (2 Corinthians 4:16) and their need to prove themselves acceptable to God (2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:1 – 2). What makes this life as a FAITHFUL Christian so wonderful is the fact we have nothing to fear but God! (1 John 4:18; 2 Timothy 1:7) “Omens” don’t concern us at all! If that lighted Papaw snowman keeps falling a thousand times over, it means only that I haven’t figured out how to secure him to the ground without using heavy rocks! It has nothing to do with my destiny in life – even though Nancy called him “Papaw” within that set of lights!
It amazes me when people talk about their faithfulness to God in one breath, and their fear of the unknown in the next! It makes me ponder just how much faith they truly have dwelling in their hearts. Why can’t all Christians realize that God’s promise is absolute PROVIDED WE CONSISTENTLY OBEY HIM? (Revelation 2:10; 14:13; 2 Peter 1: 1 – 11; et al) Is it because they think they have some control over earthly events? Is it because they think they must provide what only God can provide? (Consider Matthew 6:25 – 34) Or is it a matter that they lack the faith they need to TRUST GOD? (Frankly, that’s the problem!)
Omens – yes, it’s a word that has been used to endeavor the “proof” of some future event. But I still don’t believe in them! They’ve been proven wrong too many times for me to accept them as reality. I’m quite satisfied with God’s Word. The tests of time have never defeated His truth; therefore, there is no reason to doubt it. I must imbibe it richly in all wisdom and live by it daily with extreme carefulness as it guides me day and night through every trial and tribulation, and every joy and blessing. Let ol “Lighted Papaw” do as he will --- the REAL Papaw is trying to stay rooted and grounded in Christ!