Little Foxes

I had an AHA! moment studying for my Sunday School lesson this week and thought it was too fantastic not to share. The verse was from Song of Solomon 2:15, Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.

Typically, this verse describes the sin in our lives - if we let sin take root, it will destroy our fruit. However, this week in Sunday School, the writer used this verse to describe our response in relationships. Let me explain a bit ...

We all encounter the "small problems" of daily life that always seem to put tension between us and those we love: schedules, chores, finances, harsh words, etc. How we choose to deal with those "little foxes" is a direct reflection of the condition of our hearts. Do we react with integrity, pride, honesty, deceit, love, blame, kindness, anger? We can ignore the foxes and let them gnaw at our relationships or we can choose to deal with them before they do serious damage. Minor disputes are inevitable, but we cannot give in to their destruction.

I found this so comforting as I continue to deal with Satan's attacks in my life. He, like a wild animal, wants to destroy every aspect of my life. He wants my relationships, the people around me, my attitude, my faith, my eternity. I have to keep battling the "little foxes" that Satan has put in my vineyards to destroy my fruit. I have to stay faithful. God, catch for me my little foxes, the little foxes that destroy my vineyards in bloom!