The aged women likewise, that they be
in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed.
The Little Foxes That Spoil the Vines.
By Angela Trenholm
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the
vines:
for our vines have tender grapes.
Song of Solomon 2:15
A. Introduction
I. Personal Short Testimony
We all seem to keep a "little fox" or two around, don't we?
This devotional is a recount of how the Lord worked in my heart to purge out
the "little fox" that was "spoiling my vine". A few years ago at a ladies
retreat, a dear sister in the Lord talked about "little impurities" that we
allow to creep into our lives, never thinking (or not wanting to see) how
those "little foxes" can lead to BIG problems down the road and our vine be
spoiled.
II.
Devotional by Spurgeon
Here is Spurgeon's commentary in his Morning and Evening Devotional:
05/30/AM "Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the
vines."
--Song of Solomon 2:15
A little thorn may cause much suffering. A little cloud
may hide the sun. Little foxes spoil the vines; and little sins do mischief
to the tender heart. These little sins burrow in the soul, and make it so
full of that which is hateful to Christ, that He will hold no comfortable
fellowship and communion with us. A great sin cannot destroy a Christian,
but a little sin can make him miserable. Jesus will not walk with His people
unless they drive out every known sin. He says, "If ye keep My commandments,
ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments and
abide in His love." Some Christians very seldom enjoy their Saviour's
presence. How is this? Surely it must be an affliction for a tender child to
be separated from his father. Art thou a child of God, and yet satisfied to
go on without seeing thy Father's face? What! thou the spouse of Christ, and
yet content without His company! Surely, thou hast fallen into a sad state,
for the chaste spouse of Christ mourns like a dove without her mate, when he
has left her. Ask, then, the question, what has driven Christ from thee? He
hides His face behind the wall of thy sins. That wall may be built up of
little pebbles, as easily as of great stones. The sea is made of drops;
the rocks are made of grains: and the sea which divides thee from Christ may
be filled with the drops of thy little sins; and the rock which has well
nigh wrecked thy barque, may have been made by the daily working of the
coral insects of thy little sins. If thou wouldst live with Christ, and walk
with Christ, and see Christ, and have fellowship with Christ, take heed of
"the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes."
Jesus invites you to go with Him and take them. He will surely, like
Samson, take the foxes at once and easily. Go with Him to the hunting. -
Spurgeon
B. The Little Foxes
Spoiling
I. Spoiled Conscience
Our Preacher had preached about ungodly TV programs, and TV
in general, and how we must control it, not let it control us, (and if you
can't, get rid of it!). I had been thinking how good I was doing in that area
(after all, I hardly watched any TV....) but really, I had been under
conviction for a long time for a show that "wasn't that bad"...after all....it
only had an occasional swear word (oh, and not the really bad ones...)....I
taped it so I could fast forward the commercials and "personal moments" (most
of the time), etc....I'm sure you could add your own excuses in there
too...sigh....but here I was now letting our children watch the occasional
episode that wasn't "too bad"...Oh how we deceive ourselves!!! The truth was,
I wanted to watch that show regardless of the "little foxes" I knew would
spoil my vine!
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his
own lust, and enticed.
James 1:14
Without saying the name of the show (as I don't want others
drawn to it), it was about court cases, and the two main characters were
always "almost" getting together, but not quite. I tried to pacify the Holy
Spirit in me by saying I was really watching it for the court cases (which I
truly do enjoy!), but the reality was: I was also watching it for the
"romance".
I used to read "Harlequin" type romance novels and all they
are is pornography in print. They are not fit for anyone, let alone the child
of God. so, when I became a Christian, I gave up the secular novels, but read
the "Christian" ones for a time till God convicted me that too many of so
called "Christian" romance novels are just Satan's substitute to help keep
impurity in the child of God's life.
Since "he fashioneth our hearts alike", I know you'd be
doing (or are doing) the same thing...after all, isn't that why some of you read those
"Christian" romance novels, ever looking for the fairy tale romances in these
"perfect" characters that set a standard no man can live up to, leading to
unhappiness and lack of fulfillment in our own marriage? One must also
consider that in many of these books, the two sweethearts embrace or kiss
before marriage, are left in compromising situations being alone, and the list
goes on.
I wonder how many young girls have fallen into that trap
and committed fornication, because they thought a little kiss was "okay" after
reading it over and over in these books. The authors, especially those who
claim to be Bible believers will have much to answer to God for, for the
individual they have helped lead astray.
... that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his
brother's way.
Romans 14:13
Are they all like that? No, but I got tired of weeding
through the books, keeping the little good and spitting out the bones, so I
gave them up altogether. I feel that is the easiest approach for me, but that
is my opinion. I know there are good books out there (some really excellent
Christian fiction, especially historical), but I won't spend the time looking
for them. If a friend I trust recommends one, I will consider reading it and
have truly enjoyed some.
Now, although I shun those other books like the plague, I had
fallen in Satan's trap with the show. I don't like feeling guilty, but that's
exactly what happens when we choose to hold on to that "little fox".
Have you ever tried to get anything done while holding on
to a fox? Seems silly to do so, but isn't that what we do when we hold on to
that "little sin" and try to accomplish God's work.
Maybe your "little fox" isn't the "romance" issue, but how
about home renovation shows like "Trading Spaces" and "While You Were Out"
where individuals have rooms done in their houses by their friends, family,
etc. In the case of the latter show, it's a complete surprise. Besides the
often ungodly dress, the rock music (which we can attempt to justify by
muting), they have the same perpetual ending with the surprised participants
saying "Oh my G....". Even if you mute it, the movement of the lips is
unmistakable and the thought has been planted...willingly...by our own selves!
I know, I've been there too...
Now I know this is going to really irk someone...how about
the "Little House on the Prairie" TV show (I'm not talking books here-the
show)? or shows like it....they're clean right? Without digging into the wishy
washy "religious morality", I don't consider two individuals who are not
married in real life, kissing, to be "clean". That's called fornication (which
could easily lead to adultery) and we all know what God thinks about that.
It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
1Corinthians 7:1
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but
whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Hebrews 13:4
I really didn't want to tell anyone I was watching this
show, as I knew I was doing wrong, as we all know when we are!
We can run, but we can't hide! The Holy Spirit will not
allow us to remain in the much and mire of sin, regardless of how "little" we
think it is!
II.
Spoiled Service
It all boils down to this: It is one area of our lives we
have not given over to the Lord. We are bucking the Holy Spirit and God's
working in our lives comes to a complete standstill until the issue is dealt
with. As we go out soulwinning, the Spirit's power is not present; Bible
reading is stale; prayer life is repetitive or non-existent; we've lost our
joy.
How can I expect to be the godly Christian woman the Lord wants me to be
when I have no spiritual power. This is not God's desire. He wants all His
children to be filled with the Spirit of God so we can effectively witness
in word and deed of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When the little foxes were spoiling my vine, I tried to
witness, but the Spirit's power was not there. I had quenched the Spirit of
God and the Lord could not, would not use me. The blood of those whom I should
be witnessing to was now on my hands. I had no one to blame but myself.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear
me:
Psalm 66:18
But your iniquities have separated between you and your
God,
and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Isaiah 59:2
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God.
1Corinthians 10:31
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1Thessalonians 5:22
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Proverbs 28:13
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and
thou givest him not warning,
nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life;
the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at
thine hand.
Ezekiel 3:18
III. Spoiled Fellowship
In my case, it was causing me to be grumpy with my
children, actually, down right miserable and I certainly was not the
profitable help meet for my husband either! I was hardly reading my Bible, my
prayer life was hindered....on and on it went....I was fighting God and I knew
it! I've often said there are two people who are the most miserable on earth,
the lost and the backslidden Christian. It's not good to be either one! If you
are honest, you must admit that it is your sin that is causing havoc in your
home as well.
Well, as I said, Preacher preached on ungodliness from the
TV, and I was still justifying myself pretty good, until he read an
illustration I had read a few years ago, but forgotten about. I think it gets
the point across thoroughly.
IV. Illustration
Brownies With A
Difference
Many parents are hard pressed to explain to their youth
why some music, movies, books, and magazines are not acceptable material for
them to bring into the home or to listen to or see.
One parent came up with an original idea that is hard to refute. The father
listened to all the reasons his children gave for wanting to see a
particular PG movie. It had their favorite actors. Everyone else was seeing
it. Even church members said it was great. It was only rated PG because of
the suggestion of sex -- they never really showed it. The language was
pretty good -- the Lord's name was only used in vain three times in the
whole movie.
The teens did admit there was a scene where a building and a bunch of people
were blown up, but the violence was just the normal stuff. It wasn't too
bad. And, even if there were a few minor things, the special effects were
fabulous and the plot was action packed.
However, even with all the justifications the teens made for the PG rating,
the father still wouldn't give in. He didn't even give his children a
satisfactory explanation for saying, "No", He just said, "No".
A little later on that evening the father asked his teens if they would like
some brownies he had baked. He explained that he'd taken the family's
favorite recipe and added a little something new. The children asked what it
was.
The father calmly replied that he had added dog poop. However, he quickly
assured them, it was only a little bit. All other ingredients were gourmet
quality and he had taken great care to bake the brownies at the precise
temperature for the exact time. He was sure the brownies would be superb.
Even with their father's promise that the brownies were of almost perfect
quality, the teens would not take any. The father acted surprised. After
all, it was only one small part that was causing them to be so stubborn. He
was certain they would hardly notice it.
Still the teens held firm and would not try the brownies.
The father then told his children how the movie they wanted to see was just
like the brownies. Our minds are us into believing that just a little bit of
evil won't matter. But, the truth is even a little bit of poop makes the
difference between a great treat and something disgusting and totally
unacceptable.
The father went on to explain that even though the movie industry would have
us believe that most of today's movies are acceptable fare for adults and
youth, they are not.
Now, when this father's children want to see something that is of
questionable material, the father merely asks them if they would like some
of his special dog poop brownies. That closes the subject.
Doesn't leave us with any excuses does it?
C. The Little Foxes Rooted Out
I. Clear Conscience
I still struggled with my "besetting sin" that night, but
the next morning, I could not take the conviction anymore, so I walked over to
the VCR and deleted the program for that show. It was done! What relief! What
joy! Oh why do we hold on to our sin when there is such sweet release, relief,
joy, contentment, etc. when we know we are walking in sweet fellowship with
our Lord!
....weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the
morning.
Psalms 30:5
It has been several weeks now, and not only have I stopped
watching that show, almost all desire for any TV has virtually vanished. I'm
not even really that interested in the news anymore either. (I read that via
e-mail when I want it.)
It is so wonderful to no longer have that burden of guilt
which brings about a sense of impending judgment!
II.
Empowered Service
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me
with thy free spirit.
Psalm 51:12
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness,
nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered
thy soul.
Ezekiel 3:19
III.
Sweet Fellowship
I was blessed to go out for lunch that day, for the first
time ever, with my Pastor's wife. (Don't know why we never have, maybe 6 kids
each, busy household...you know the rigmarole!) Anyway, we had a blessed time
encouraging one another in the Lord, with a clear conscience, and it was a
great relief for me to share with her this issue and to rejoice in victory
over sin!
I didn't really think I spent "that" much time watching TV,
but now I find I can sit and talk with my other children (or read them a book,
etc.) while feeding the baby, instead of watching the "goof tube". And
yes, a sweeter spirit is now reigning in our home! God has been very good to
me!
