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The Salt Newsletter

Welcome to The Salt Newsletter, a weekly email where I aim to provide insight from scripture and teach you how to teach this to someone else. 

In Acts 1:1, Luke states that in his gospel he wrote about all that “Jesus began to do and teach.” An important model for us all because it isn’t just important for us to do what scripture says. We should be quick to teach it to others as well. Why? Because we’re the salt of the earth and that’s how you and I will make disciples of all nations!

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THIS WEEK
Catch The Foxes 🦊🪤

read time 6 minutes

The book of Song of Solomon has some of the most tender verses in all of scripture. A real lesson in Rizzology all while pointing back to Jesus, if you ask me. But tucked in the middle of such an eloquent portrayal of romantic love, there’s a beautiful verse that reads:

Here, the vineyard, a symbol of something precious and beautiful, is being threatened by these seemingly insignificant foxes. They’re small, cute, perhaps even charming, yet given enough time they possess the power to cause immense destruction.

Let’s take a step back.

Each of our lives are so intricately designed. Like a tapestry that’s been woven by a skilled artisan. Our experiences and choices, both good and bad, create a mosaic of colors and patterns that represent a unique journey and it’s in the diversity of these threads that we find the beauty and richness of where the Lord has placed us at this very moment.

The job you currently hold, the family you’re part of, the school you attend, the friends you have - they’re all vines the Lord gifted you with.

Essentially, your life is akin to a blossoming vineyard that is owned by Jesus. It’s a place that’s meant to flourish. It’s a place that was given to you for this season (or many seasons) to nuture, protect and cultivate.

Yet, it’s in the midst of our tending of these fields, the “little foxes” sneak in.

In your schools the little foxes are procrastination, a lack of focus, comparison with peers or the obsession with pleasing others to gain acceptance.

In your work they can be the politics of the office, burnout, the imposter syndrome, the chase for perfection in each and every project or the feeling that each day is monotonous.

In your friendships they are the lack of effort to keep up with people or address the unresolved conflicts.

In your families the little 🦊 can present themselves as unfair expectations, lingering resentments, the absence of appreciation for all you do for your loved ones or simply a lack of unity.

In a marriage it can be unresolved arguments, casually consuming pornography, complacency or emotional distance.

In our ministries these foxes can be burnout, spiritual dryness, or even unchecked egos.

You see, the “little foxes” aren’t always menacing. They are the nagging doubts, the persistent distractions, the unattended weaknesses. Individually, they seem harmless but collectively they can destroy our vinyard and turn what the Lord desires to be a space of abundance into a field of ruin.

The lesson for this week is simple: You are the steward of your vineyard. Whether it’s a season of life, a responsibility, or a physical position you hold - you’re to not only take care of the BIG and obvious challenges but also the inconspicuous, persistent “little foxes” that roam around. You must catch the foxes. Period.

How do we do this?

1. Identify Where Your Vineyard Is. Whatever it may be, Jesus, the Creator of the Universe gave you this vineyard for safe keeping. Remind yourself of this reality. If someone extremely important gave something personal of theirs to you for safe keeping, wouldn’t you be extremely cautious and intentional about how you treated it?

2. Identify The Foxes. What are the “little 🦊” that creep into the corners of your existence? Is it procrastication? Is it negative self-talk? Is it perfectionism? Is it neglected physical health? Is it a gossiping tongue?

3. Surrender and Commit. Capture those foxes immediately and surrender them to the Lord. If repentance is required, don’t wait another second to confess and ask for forgiveness. If you need to make things right with a friend or partner, do it! The Lord honors your recommitment to Him and the stewardship of His vineyard in your life. He’ll give you the strength to see this through.

TEACH THIS LESSON TO OTHERS

1. Start a Conversation with Scripture: Read Song of Solomon 2:15 with someone and begin the lesson explaining the allegory of the vineyard and the little foxes. Make a connection between the wisdom from the Bible and present-day life scenarios.

2. Share Your Personal Testimony: Share your experiences with the “little foxes” in your life areas like school, work, relationships, etc. and discuss the times when a small, seemingly insignificant issue grew over time and affected your peace, productivity, or relationships.

3. Identify the Foxes: Dive deeper into scripture by reading 2 Corinthians 13:5 and emphasize how important it is to self-examine yourself and address these little critters that cause so much damage.

4. Implement Solutions: Discuss the practical steps to capture these foxes through accountability, setting boundaries, or building spiritual disciplines.

5. Conclude with Prayer: Below is a suggested prayer to help your wrap your mind around what the Lord’s will can be over a topic like this.

A PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

We thank You for the vineyards of our lives, the spaces and seasons where You have placed us to grow and bear fruit. We acknowledge the “little foxes” that seek to undermine our growth, and today, we ask for the grace and wisdom to identify and address them.

Lord, empower us with strength to protect our vineyards, to cultivate spaces of abundance and grace. May Your spirit guide us in wisdom to not overlook the little things, but address them with courage and resolve.

We pray for unity and support within our communities, that together, we may uphold each other in love, resilience, and diligence. May our vineyards not only be preserved but flourish under Your tender care.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.