Animal Savers

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 – Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV)

Mounted above the license plates on the front of our cars are two little black objects — about an inch high and two inches long — that slightly resemble the sightings on a rifle. The end facing forward is flat and round, tunnelling inside to a cone-shaped base, allowing air to flow through, purported to "emit ultrasonic sound waves ranging from 18,000 to 20,000 hertz, safely warning animals up to 400 meters away (or, the length of four football fields)".

The devices are very inexpensive to purchase, and, if working properly, should save not only the lives of animals but also car damage, and possible personal injury or even life. One does not know what draws the animals into traffic — the desire to join others, the thought of something better on the other side, or even fear.

When mounted properly, the sound emitted is not heard by animals inside the car and, naturally, is not audible to the human ear. Animals should hear the sound long before they see one's headlights (at night) and in most cases, will raise their heads in acknowledgement, then return to grazing, or at least stay still, and not jump out into oncoming traffic.

As I was searching for an appropriate scripture to accompany this devotional, I found there are numerous passages telling of the warnings we receive of impending dangers that can befall us. We often put ourselves in front of them, dangers which are normal everyday temptations to the human spirit, but which can be avoided if we listen for what we might style as God's ultrasonic sound devices — our consciences — shaped by the basic teachings laid down by God, often absorbed in our youth.

Just like the animals, when we are tempted to try or to do something we know we shouldn't, upon hearing that first thought, warning us not to do it, if we take heed, a lot of injury and grief may be spared.

Prayer: We give thanks for our inner voices. Grant us the strength to trust what we hear and act on it, especially in those times when we may feel challenged to follow the crowd. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.