Stepping Stones: Go on a Fox Hunt!

Transformational Tip

The 1939 play, “The Little Foxes” by Lillian Hellman, was based on Scripture from Song of Solomon 2:15. The foundation of the message: many times it’s the collection of all the small mis-steps that gets us in trouble. Some marriages, with no major problems, still get into trouble because of an accumulation of little things. The Bible says that it is the little foxes that ruin the vineyard.

Make a commitment not to ignore the little foxes in your marriage: being thoughtless or preoccupied, forgetting special days like anniversaries and birthdays, criticizing, taking your spouse for granted, not appreciating the little things they do. The little foxes might seem unimportant, but they can eventually knock a marriage and family relationship off its feet.

Are you letting any foxes loose in your marriage? Are you spending time with your spouse or has "busy-ness" taken over? Do you really listen to her or him talk? Do you continue that little habit that irritates your spouse? With God's help, identify the little things before they become big things.

For you single people, all of the married people vowed to never let foxes into their vineyard. All would have boasted, “That will never happen to me.” But, as you see, we all fall prey to the insidious trickery of the sly foxes Satan uses to undermine what God has ordained and blessed. Safeguard your heart/mind…before you get married, you will have a better chance in your marriage.

Today, go on a fox hunt to be sure pesky little habits aren't creeping up on you. And replace the destructive little foxes with acts of love. Plan a surprise dinner for two. Buy a sentimental gift. Join your spouse in one of his or her favorite activities…even if it's not your thing. These little acts of thoughtfulness can help a marriage thrive.

Click here to share your perspective about little foxes in your life.

Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me for how I have acted towards one of the greatest gifts You have given me, my wife. Marriage is so powerful, but also tricky and complex. Help me become more aware of the "little foxes" that I bring to the marriage…and help me replace them with acts of love. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!
Song of Solomon 2:15

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23