Topic: The Little foxes that spoil the vines
Bible Reading: .Songs of Solomon 1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:14-33.
Memory Verse: “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Songs of Solomon 2:15 (KJV)
Foxes are relatively small animals, and yet the little fox is capable of doing terrible damage. They burrow and chew in a vineyard until the vines wither and become unproductive. The little foxes are an imagery of how subtle, overlooked compromises or minor relational habits that seem less hurtful, disturb or even destroy spiritual vitality and deep relationships. In real life, what often bring about fatality in relationships whether with God or fellow human beings starts off as little foxes and not gross evil or deep dark depravity because most people are usually on guard for such major wickedness.
Today’s meditation is more of self examination. You need to look deep internally and see what have affected any of your relationships, whether physical or spiritual currently or in the past. Some of these little foxes include self centeredness which is a “me first“ life style. This puts you first in all you do and though it looks unharmful on the face of it, but digging deeper, it can cause a lot of damage as it often overlooks when your self centeredness causes pain for others. This is why the Bible says “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Phillipians 2:3 (KJV). This lifestyle often leads to pride, arrogance, selfishness and self delusion unless it is addressed promptly.
Another little fox is bitterness which often stems from an offence and the unwillingness to let go or forgive. It develops into strong hatred and often lead to actions that cause great damage. It was bitterness of heart that led Cain to kill his brother Abel. Bitterness defiles easily as you cannot love anyone to whom you are bitter. Thats why Hebrews 12:15 (KJV) warns, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”
Another little fox is unforgiveness. When this starts, you feel justified by the injustice done to you but you neglect the implication of going this route. It’s definitely not easy to forgive some offences such as someone who commits adultery with your spouse, one who kills your child due to reckless driving or someone who runs away with your money leaving you stranded without any money amongst other grievious offences. However, non-forgiveness will lead to bitterness which will further hurt you beside the more important fact that it will amount to outright disobedience of God! Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV) says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
In addition to the above, we have ingratitude, grumbling, quick temper, telling lies, carelessness amongst several others.
Action point: Examine yourself and identify the little foxes at play in your life and prayerfully stop them.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero