Wk11 – Red Flags
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In my favorite version of Lost in Space, (the old black and white version) they had a robot that cried out “Danger Will Robinson!” This warning was sounded before the danger was eminent, when there was still time to escape or do something about the problem.
The term “red flag” is a warning for danger. At a beach there might be a red flag posted to prevent people from swimming in dangerous waters. We might also use the term “red flag” in conversation to imply a dangerous situation. Whether figurative or literal, the flag its self isn’t the source of danger, rather it signifies someone’s desire to make us aware of danger.
There is danger in treating our covenants lightly. The marriage covenant is especially vulnerable because it so closely concerns our hearts and feelings, and it is the only covenant that concerns more than one person and the Lord. My mother taught me that a married woman is never to allow herself to be alone with a man not closely related to her. The red flags of danger to covenants could include feeling attraction either physically or emotionally to another man, wanting to spend time or seeking out conversation with another man, keeping any actions (other than a surprise for him!) secret from your husband, favoritism, fantasies, or wanting to dress up for anyone else’s benefit, other than yourself or your husband. Of course, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. If any of these early warning signs appear for wife or husband, swift action and courage in the face of death, spiritual death, are needed.
Cowardice is not attractive. The champions of courage in the Bible and the Book of Mormon stand firm with faith unmovable. Daniel took the lions den, his three friends were thrown in a furnace. Abinidi was also burned, but not rescued. Gideon in the Bible fought a battle far outnumbered, and Gideon in the Book of Mormon didn’t flinch against his attacker even when he was bowed down with age. These examples teach us that whether we win or die, our decision to be courageous against oppression should not falter. Does our Father in Heaven ever tell us to run from a fight?
Joseph from Egypt ran.
In the case of sexual danger, running isn’t cowardice, it is courageous. You’ve surely seen the same scenario in movies and television, where the guy was accosted by a beauty and before he knew what was going on suddenly she was all over him, which of course set the wife/girlfriend/romantic interest, who happened along at that moment, into a fury. The story line will protest, “Oh but it wasn’t his fault! He was a hapless victim!” Yes, yes it was his fault. When this scenario comes up, a favorite comment in our house is “Danger Will Robinson!” Even my children can see that danger before it escalates. A wise man or woman will watch out for danger and avoid it like they would any other deadly accident.
In any battle, there will be times when the commanding officer orders the troops to retreat. Strategic retreat is not cowardice. In my marriage, I watch diligently for the red flags of danger and avoid even the appearance of evil, and take myself away from situations before the danger becomes imminent. As Dr Goddard said in his book Drawing Heaven into your Marriage, “Satan’s lies are extravagant- but empty… God’s promises are sure. When we, like Joseph, quietly honor our covenants- even making sacrifices and fighting temptation- God will reward us with blessings unfathomable…”