Spoilers

“Catch . . the little foxes that spoil the vines.” Song of Solomon 2:15 NKJV.

Small things appear insignificant except to those who see potential others do not.

My thoughts and comments today are about “spoilers.”

God places high value on small things. Every enterprise begins small, appearing insignificant at its early stage except to those who see potential others do not. The Bible advises, “Do not despise these small beginnings for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10 NLT. And Jesus noted that, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Luke 16:10 NIV. Faithfulness is learned little by little and responsibilities are proportional to reliability.

Not all little things are little. By that I mean, some little things can have big results – a small idea can produce a profitable business, a small seed holds disproportionate potential, a small kindness can begin a long friendship, a wise word can change a life’s direction. The Bible says, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27 NKJV. Nothing good that is said or done is inconsequential. Small things should not be disparaged; they may hold vast potential.

But I must also warn that little things can have big, unintended and unwanted repercussions as well. James, while describing the effect of a small bit in a powerful horse’s mouth and a small rudder to turn a large ship, adds that “Even so the tongue is a little member that boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles . . and the tongue . . defiles the whole body.” Read James 3:2-12 NKJV. Words mean something, for good or harm for the person who speaks them as well as those who hear them. An ill-advised word can disparage ideas, destroy incentive, or dash hopes.

Solomon addressed this negative potential with the image of a vineyard, “Catch the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:15 NKJV. The vine is where growth and fruit are to be found; those represent your future productivity. Spoilers, like small foxes, are often unnoticed until after damage has been done. Most of us are not undone by big things. Those are more easily recognized and readily avoided. Small things are often your undoing – the road not taken, the overlooked opportunity, the unnoticeable omission, the little temptation, or the lesser failure.

There are many tender moments that are spoiled by intention or lack of attention – an achievement not celebrated, an anniversary forgotten, a thank you unspoken, a kindness unappreciated, a person not valued, and many similar opportunities for good that are overlooked. Such things happen everyday in businesses, families, marriages, and personal relationships when the smallest things – someone’s countenance, tone of voice, body language, attitude, words, or even their silence – can assist or resist progress, build or dampen enthusiasm, and develop or disparage an idea. Protect the vines; secure the fruit of blessing; defeat the spoilers; refuse to become a spoiler for others.

My prayer for you today is that you will protect the potential in your life and others.