The Spiders Bug
As I sat studying in my office, I noticed a bug ambling across the tile floor and I thought: I need to get up and kill that bug. But then, I became absorbed in my thoughts again and forgot the bug, until I heard a scratching beneath the baseboard. I turned and saw a struggle for life that became a struggle to death. I was fascinated by the battle.
Unseen by me, a spider had observed the bugs movements much closer than I and when the bug had gotten in range, he had pounced on him. The bug struggled well at first —he lay on his back and fought the spiders efforts by kicking vigorously and biting the spiders legs. His defense seemed impenetrable, but gradually a pattern of silky threads began to form. I can see that, though the bug struggles harder, his movements are being restricted. His struggles become spasmodic and feeble, and now he lies quietly in his new webbed straitjacket with but an ounce of life left in him. And soon there will be only a hollow shell. I feel pity for him.
Mr. Bug, With but a little foresight, you could have avoided all the terror and struggle. You could yet be alive, if you had walked circumspectly and thus avoided the spiders plot. It is too late now.
The old Devil is like that spider. And the fact that God uses the figure of a roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8) does not mean that this is the way we are able to see him. But God tells us that the devils activity and intent is to devour us —we should be warned. However, because we are unable to see him, we forget that he lays his cunning plots, bides his time and judges his range. See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-16).
It grieves me to think of all the men who have ignorantly strayed into the Devils corner. They fought well against his extreme evils while being hobbled by those which appeared innocent. They neglected their strength and protector and served the fleshly appetites. They drank the sweet wine of success and ate the bread of false teaching, while assuring their brethren and friends that they were not entangled therein. Until, finally they must awaken to the fact that they have become slaves to that which once served their appetites. The old spider has got em and wont let them go. I pity them.
And, like Mr. Bug, they become a hollow shell —the Devils booty, (cf. Col. 2:8). The needless struggle and lost life could have been avoided if they had stayed out of range of the Devils web of deceit (cf. II Cor. 11:13). God, who has of old thwarted the Devils efforts through faithful men, says, Be watchful. Let us not be so foolish as to toy with the Devils vain philosophy and to taste of deceitful lusts. Our lives are too great a price to pay. And the best way to stay alive is to stay away.
Thank you, Mr. Spider. Perchance what I have observed will help me —and I didnt have to get up and kill the bug. Jim B. Everett