Day 115: Little Foxes (SoS 2:15)

Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes. (Song of Songs 2:15)

Foxes are not mentioned much in the Bible. They live in desolate places, according to Ezekiel 13:4 and Lamentations 5:18. Jesus in Matthew 8:20 mentioned they live in holes. Jesus called Herod a fox in Luke 13:32 referring to his cunning nature. Samson in Judges 15 caught 300 foxes and used them to destroy the Philistine farms.

Foxes are cunning, shrewd, and crafty animals. Big predators when they make their way into a vine would often pick a bunch of grapes. Little foxes, however, love maturing grapes. They are often too small to reach the grapes on the vine so they burrow under the vine roots and chew the stems so they can access the grapes when the vines fall over. This leaves the vine unable to bear fruits. If left unchecked, they will eventually destroy the whole vineyard.

Farmers often build fences of rock and torns to keep animals away from their vineyards. It is often enough to keep large predators away. However, little foxes will search for a small opening in the barrier to gain entrance into the vineyard. Because they are smart, trapping them is difficult. Farmers have to use tricks and caution.

For us as believers, what are little foxes?

The Beloved had come to call His Bride to come with Him to the hills and mountains. One of the signs he gave was tender grapes on the vines giving a pleasant smell. In Lessons 50 & 107 we said that according to John 15, the fruit we are expected to bear as branches of the vine is love. From love stems every other fruit of the Spirit. 

We said that love must be the motivation, strategy, and product of our actions. Considering this, we can define little foxes as whatever is not motivated by love, done in love, or does not show unconditional love for God and man. 

These actions sometimes seem legitimate. But Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (Amplified Classic Version):

All things are legitimate [permissible–and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. 

We can then also define little foxes as anything that is not constructive to character and edifying to spiritual life. Anything that is not expedient, profitable, or wholesome.

Actions done in love for God results in a healthy spiritual life and those done in love for man appear as character.

There is no room for selfishness in the equation. So we can also say whatever is done out of selfishness, personal ambition, and to gratify our selfish desires are little foxes.

Many scriptures deal with inappropriate behavior among believers both in and outside the church. Paul in Galatians 5:19-21 (The Passion Translation) calls them the works of the flesh that hinder our spiritual lives:

The behavior of self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their “freedom” for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God! 

Little foxes can also be distractions, laziness, fear and anxiety, idle, dirty and profane speech, youthful lusts, selfish ambition, jealousy, envy... the list is almost endless. Anything that hinders character and spiritual growth.

It is difficult for many to tell whether the Bride or the beloved is speaking here. Neither can it be ascertained who the speech is directed at. But when we consider that these habits and actions destroy the fruits of love, I believe the Beloved is still speaking here to the Bride. 

I also believe the Beloved is speaking here because, without our surrender, submission, and readiness, the Beloved cannot catch these foxes. 

Because of how broad and varied little foxes are, it requires a joint effort of us the Bride, and our Beloved through His Spirit to get rid of them. 

Kenneth Hagin in his book 5 Hindrances to Growth in Grace classified them as follows:

• Lightness
• Looseness
• Laziness
• Loquacity
• Trying to be like other people

In tomorrow's lesson, we'll look at how to catch little foxes before they destroy our vines.

PRAY WITH ME:

Dear Lord, reveal to me the little foxes that hinder my spiritual life and character and grant me grace and wisdom to deal with them. Amen.

REFLECT & ACT:

• Think thoroughly and evaluate your walk with the Lord and your relationship with people. What takes the most of your time?
• What actions, behaviors, and feelings are not motivated by, done in, or produce love?