Catch the little foxes

“Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:15 KJV

In an article published by Runner's World Tuesday titled, "Why It’s Smart to Run With Your Glasses," the following was said: If you wear glasses and you run, then you’ve probably been guilty of chasing miles without your glasses, at least at some point. Maybe you’ve been pinched for time and didn’t want to make the effort to put in your contacts. Or maybe you just don’t think it’s a big deal to ditch your glasses when running. But the truth: You could be putting yourself at risk if you don’t run with clear sight. “It’s important to wear your glasses not only to see clearer and further, but to also decrease your risk for injury. A runner with a mild prescription may be able to run safely and comfortably without glasses, but the majority of people would benefit from prescription eyewear when running,” says Scott Huggler, O.D., opthamologist of Nazareth Eye Associates in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. If a runner cannot see clearly, they miss the small rock, curb, or subtle changes in terrain that can cause injuries, from a mild sprain to a torn meniscus, he says. Having described the possible consequences that not seeing clearly can have, the writer then asked the million-dollar-question, "Is it worth ditching your glasses and risking forced time off?"

And you know, when it comes to tripping over the seemingly  “small things” in our paths that can unexpectedly take us out of the race, the Bible tells us that it’s the “little foxes that spoil the vines.” What does that mean exactly? Hudson Taylor, who thought of the “little foxes” as the things that could ruin our relationship with Jesus Christ, said it this way… “The enemies may be small, but the mischief done great... And how numerous the little foxes are! Little compromises with the world; disobedience to the still small voice in little things; little indulgences of the flesh to the neglect of duty; little strokes of policy; doing evil in little things that good may come; and the beauty, and the fruitfulness of the vine are sacrificed!”

So be careful to catch the “little foxes” my friend by not ditching the things that give you clear spiritual eyesight… faithful prayer, Bible study and the assembling with fellow believers—which will not only hold you accountable but will sharpen your faith. It’s well worth the effort!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it’s always the little things that trip us up first. Left unchecked, the little foxes in our lives will multiply and grow so quickly that they will not only ruin our relationship with You but will reap strife in our families, our friendships and in our marriages. Knowing that Lord, cause us to be vigilant in recognizing and removing sin from our lives before the vines are spoiled. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.  

Happy Running!