The Little Foxes
Steve Martin
“Catch the foxes for us, yes, the little foxes! They are ruining the vineyards when our vineyards are in bloom!” (Song of Songs 2:15, Complete Jewish Bible)
It’s the little things, right? Those small words or actions that at times we may overlook, allowing them to slide off our back or pushed aside as meaningless, but at other times they hit you with that thought, “Who does she think she is?”, or “You know, he always does that to me, and I am tired of it.”
As a society we have become so easily offended, having thin skin, and thus we let little things get under it. One word or action directed our way, not taken right, can set us off. If something is spoken or done to you one more time, the scale is tipped. Those little foxes have caught us off guard, and we let the offense come.
It has happened to me. It has happened to you. Right?
In the past few days, I got smacked twice by this. Usually, it comes by someone close, and you take the word or action wrong. You may expect these things to occur from others, but when a family or friend’s actions don’t quite line up with your expectations, it strikes and can wound the spirit and soul. And rather than let it go (“Let it go, let it go…”) you react, and most likely strike back.
Sometimes it was never meant as an offense by the other, but because of who you or, how you were raised, or what has happened in the past by another, you take it to heart, and get offended.
We know the devil hates us, or at least we should. We must know that the spirit of offense will attack, looking to stir up trouble and get us off our straight and narrow. At times the little foxes cause no problem, darting back and forth, as we maintain our alertness to their schemes. But at other times they can ruin a day, week, or even longer. We get hit by an offense and it knocks us off course.
Relationships, even the ones that are strong and bullet-proof, are hit by this spirit at any time. If we are caught unaware, the effect of the attack can be long-lasting. If we walk in forgiveness, we can overcome the hit and move on. If we don’t, it may ruin our “sweet wine” of friendship in the vineyard of life. We must not let the foxes, the little ones, get to us. Otherwise, the hit can be the start of a small, downward spiral, possibly ending in broken ties. We must continually be on our guard. The strengthening bonds of our relationships, as we are being knit together in fellowship, must be strong enough to hold off the attacks that come our way.
There is a reason we are told in Scriptures to put on the armor of the Lord which He provides. It is because we need it. It will if worn properly, protect us daily.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:11-18, NKJV)
Don’t let the little foxes outsmart you. We wise. Be alert. Know that we have a target on our back, as the enemy of our soul seeks to strike and divide us. We must not let that happen.
If you get hit, and most likely you will, be prepared to walk in forgiveness so you can keep moving on. There is too much at stake in our lives and those around us to let the little things stop us from loving and letting His life flow in and through us.
Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).
Now think on this,
Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.
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Now Think On This #389 - in the year of our Lord 02.01319 – “Little Foxes” – Wednesday, 4:25 am
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