In a story titled “Rail signs call after runner's death at crossing” published by the Australian BBC News over the weekend, the writer said:
A coroner has called for better signs at level crossings after a runner listening to music died when he was hit by a train.
Sam Dudley died while jogging in Formby, Merseyside, on 24 August.
The klaxon siren and red light were in operation at Hoggs Hill Level Crossing and CCTV footage showed he appeared shocked at the sight of the train and tried to jump backwards.
Investigators found the 29-year-old had been listening to music on his mobile phone, which displayed a warning that the sound was too loud.
Anita Bhardwaj, senior coroner for Sefton, said the crossing had been "safe, compliant and operating as designed", adding it was "more likely than not that Sam did not hear the klaxon".
Following an inquest into his death, she concluded: "In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken."
The coroner added that "increasingly, more people wear earphones and are therefore less aware of their surroundings".
And, you know, as this story clearly illustrates, not being aware of one’s surroundings can be extremely dangerous. This is something that’s true in our spiritual lives as well. Which is the very reason Paul exhorted us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
What does that “walk circumspectly” mean exactly? Well… the term "circumspectly" is derived from the Latin word "circumspectus," meaning "looking around" or "being cautious." In a biblical context then, walking circumspectly refers to living with careful consideration, wisdom, and prudence—and to living a life marked by vigilance, moral integrity and a clear awareness of the evil in “the days” we are living in, realizing that time is a precious commodity from God to be used in service to God.
Furthermore, the concept of being spiritually "aware" involves being biblically literate (knowing the Word) and theologically grounded (applying the Word) so that you can “understand what the will of the Lord is” in these perilous times. This understanding will allow you to see and sidestep the spiritual traps and moral challenges that surround believers today, and to make godly choices that keep you from the path that leads to destruction.
This careful walk is contrasted with the unwise, who live without regard for God's commandments or the spiritual realities of life and suffer the consequences for doing so. It’s the equivalent of a runner wearing headphones on such a high volume that they’re immune to the dangers around them.
So, be aware of your surroundings my friend by keeping your spiritual eyes, ears, and heart focused on Christ at all times. This is the only way to avoid the dangers that come with going astray.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it’s easy to walk into danger when we aren’t aware of our surroundings, especially in the evil days we are in. Help us to be discerning Lord and disciplined in our spiritual walk that we might always hear your will and follow your will. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
No comments:
Post a Comment