Day 28 – Little Foxes

“Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming.” Sons of Solomon 2:15

Though this scripture captures the conversation between two lovers, it carries a profound lesson for every child of God. Foxes are destructive regardless of the size (little or large) and are used severally in the Bible as a metaphor for destruction. In this context, it refers to those sins, attitudes, and habits we often overlook, excuse or defend. Inconsequential as we attempt to make them, they have a huge negative impact on our lives. Some of the most destructive habits and practices in life are usually the little things we allow in our gardens. They creep in on people and soon redirect the full course of our lives and ministries. Too many times we are on the defensive because we feel we cannot fully comply with what the Bible says to do. We struggle and argue, trying to twist the Bible to suit ourselves.

Little foxes spoil the vines through our thoughts, words, and actions. Theologically they can be described as heart sins, lip sins, and behavior sins.

• Heart sins are also referred to as secret sins such as jealousy, pride, and impurity. Sins of the spirit hinder the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Psalm 90:8 says “You spread out our sins before you – our secret sins – and you see them all.”

• Lip sins are little foxes of an unruly, undisciplined tongue. Especially a lying, critical, or tale-bearing tongue! We often speak first regardless of the consequences of our words in the hearts of others causing more damage than good. Especially us standing in ministry should weigh every word against the Word before allowing them over our lips.

• Behaviour sins are those we commit and are obvious to an onlooker that we carry an unclean heart. Being unkind, thoughtless, or harsh in our treatment of people. It’s acting instinctively instead of thinking what we are doing is in line with the Word.

Yes, little foxes spoil the vines robbing us of the fruit the Holy Spirit is waiting (and wanting) to produce in and through us. What are you going to do about the little foxes lurking in the vineyard?

Prayer: Father, we do not always pay attention or guard for little foxes trying to ruin the vineyard. Please make us more attentive to what is in the vineyard and more aware of how to get rid of them. Let Your Word ever be a snare for them before they cause unrepairable destruction. Amen.