As humans, we often underestimate the power of our little actions and decisions and subconsciously we say it is ”just a bite”. We make excuses like “It’s just for a few minutes” or “It won’t hurt to try”. However, these seemingly insignificant choices can have significant consequences that affect our lives and the lives of those around us.
Just A Bite: Bible References
In the Bible, we see examples of how “just a bite” can lead to disaster. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given everything they needed to live a fulfilling life, but they were tempted by the one fruit they were told not to eat. This one act of disobedience led to the fall of humanity.
Similarly, in Joshua 1:7, Achan stole a Babylonian garment and some gold and silver, which led to the withdrawal of God’s protection from Israel. The Israelites lost a battle to a smaller nation because of this one act of disobedience.
These examples remind us of the importance of paying attention to the “little foxes” in our lives, as Solomon said in Songs of Solomon 2:15. These “little foxes” can represent anything that seems insignificant but can create loopholes for the devil to enter our lives and cause harm.
Esau Took A Bite
Esau, a cunning hunter and a great man of the field sold his birthright to his brother, Jacob, for a bowl of beans. He devalued and degraded the essence of his birthright, and the Bible describes him as a fornicator and a profane person because of it (Hebrews 12:16). He lost his inheritance because of his lack of appreciation for what he had.
Have you read this devotional? God’s Love (The Eternal Truth)
The Bible also reminds us that we should not compromise our stand for righteousness for worldly accomplishments, acceptance, or amusements that go contrary to God’s principles. We are bought with a price, the blood of Jesus, and should cherish this sacrifice.
Psalm 75:6-7 reminds us that promotion comes from God, and we should trust Him to provide for us. We should not compromise our values for the sake of “bread and butter” issues.
There lived a man who had been praying for a job for a long time. His family had been struggling to make ends meet, and they had been through a lot of hardships because of his unemployment. Finally, he received an opportunity to be interviewed for a job. The man was hopeful and excited, but little did he know that he was about to face a test of his integrity.
During the interview, the man impressed the manager in charge of logistics with his submissions. However, the manager had a condition for hiring him. He asked the man to falsify one less of the daily transactions, which was equivalent to stealing. Even though the manager himself was giving the directive, the man knew that it was unethical.
The man had a few days to think about it and decide. Many people advised him to accept the offer, saying that it was normal practice. Moreover, his in-laws threatened to take back their daughter if he failed to provide for her. However, the man knew that he couldn’t compromise his integrity for a job.
On the day he was supposed to give his reply, the man boldly informed the manager that he could not accept the job under such conditions because it was dishonest. To his surprise, the manager congratulated him and said that he was pleased to have finally found a faithful man.
This story teaches us the importance of maintaining our integrity, even in the face of adversity. We should not compromise our values for the sake of a job or any other thing. It is better to remain unemployed than to engage in unethical practices that can ruin our lives. Just a little compromise can lead to a downward spiral that can have devastating consequences.
In conclusion, let us be mindful of the “little foxes” in our lives and not underestimate the power of our decisions. Let us appreciate what we have and not compromise our values for worldly gains. We should trust in God’s provision for us and not give in to temptation, even if it seems like “just a bite”. Remember, “Whatever a man sows, that he shall reap” (Galatians 6:7).
I hope you enjoyed this WBLMinistry devotional titled Just A Bite, feel free to read this devotional titled: Water and Bread of Life: Finding Satisfaction in Jesus
