Key Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:15
Generally, the book of the Song of Solomon is considered by so many scholars as a love song but in metaphors. One of the metaphors besides the expressions of His beloved bride is the little foxes that spoil the vineyard. Solomon, in his song, points out the foxes that must be caught and be dealt with lest they destroy his relationship with His beloved and the joy therein.
The book of Song of Solomon talks of the beloved of God and things the beloved need in order to relate well with God the Father.
“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes” (Chapter 2:15)
The church or body of Christ is God’s vineyard. Jesus said He is the true vine (John 15:5). Unfortunately, there are hidden things of shame that need to be dealt with for the work of God to blossom.
Jesus is the true vine. We have been called to walk in Love and the kingdom of God is a place of Love.
God has planted for himself a vineyard and put all that is required for the vineyard to blossom and produce fruit. But in the midst of producing, there are foxes that come to hinder and spoil the blossoming of the tender vine
“Seeing therefore that we have received this ministry, having obtained mercy, we don’t lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not working in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully” (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)
Foxes are the hidden things of shame.
“For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols” (1 Corinthians 8:10)
For example, when you sin against the brethren you wound the weak and sin against Christ.
One of the foxes is the ‘Fox of Unfaithfulness’.
“Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14)
How does Unfaithfulness manifest itself?
It is so unfortunate to hear of so many brethren that are hurt and wounded because of brethren who, for example, borrowed money and were required to return after a period of time but refuse to return. Interestingly, this behavior even causes some brethren to leave or change churches because of sour relationships caused by unfaithfulness or dishonesty in keeping promises.
Beloved, Don’t become a stumbling block to fellow brethren. Keep your word and honor your promises. Pay your debts.
“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8)
Beloved, God is restoring to the church relationships. For that to be done we have to renounce the hidden works of shame (2 Corinthians 4:2).
Paul asked, “Shall we continue to live in sin so that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1).
Taking borrowing money as an example, please ensure you keep your promise to repay, and in case you are not able to meet the deadline, go to the person and come up with a formula or plan for repayment. This is integrity and uprightness.
Keep in touch and do not distant yourself or switch off your phone from your creditors as some people do. This behavior has consequences, i.e. destruction of relationships.
Always remember, a borrower is a slave to the lender and borrowing can be a stronghold.
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No’.” (Matthew 5:37)
Another fox that must be dealt with is the ‘Fox of Deception’.
We have Men of God who deceive in the name of the Lord to manipulate and distort money from church members. It is so unfortunate to hear cases where some church ministers fake prophecies to get money from congregants. It is so sad and the practice is ungodly. Servants of God who have fallen into this trap need to repent, seek forgiveness from those who you owe, and seek restitution.
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