I recently saw an advertisement from a well-known razor company. The ad featured a picture of a young couple embracing one another. The slogan stated that “love is never letting stubble come between you”.
The relevancy of this concept can also be applied to our relationship with the Lord. When we read Solomon 2:15, we are informed that it’s the “little foxes that spoil the vine”. The little foxes can be compared to as “stubble”. Sometimes our lives are composed “spiritual stubble”. We are harboring concepts and the like … although small in appearance, yet they are greatly impacting our lives.
The word stubble is one of those words whose meanings can vary. However for today we are referring to those small growths that haven’t yet been shaven. Stubble is the beginning process of what will appear. Stubble, although a natural occurrence, has the tendency to be extremely uncomfortable, as well as abrasive to anyone with whom it encounters. To prevent the growth of stubble, regular maintenance is required. However, to eliminate stubble a sharpen tool, and the application of a skillful hand are required.
So in the natural…so in the realm of the spirit. In many instances, we are more concerned about our outward, (physical) appearance than we are our inward, (spiritual). Our focus is more on the conclusive opinions of people. The statement, “love is never letting stubble come between you”, reminds us that nothing; regardless of how small it may appear, should ever be permitted to come between us and our love for the Lord. Stubble can be referred to as those seemingly “little no harm” thoughts, actions and deeds that we may find ourselves involved in. Far too often, we fail to realize that it’s in the formative stages, the “stubble” stages,… prior to the total manifestation, that we must be the most aggressive. We can’t wait for ungodly thoughts to become actions…we must “nip them in the bud”. (Remember “stubble” can also produce or result in ungodly actions such as: indecisiveness, procrastination, habitual latenesses, excessive or extreme eating habits, unbalanced lifestyles, etc.)
Our love for the Lord must excel to the extent that we will not permit stubble in any shape, form or fashion, to come between us and Him. How do we prevent stubble? The regular application of our “dual edged” blade. Hebrews 4:12 informs us:“ For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (NIV).
When we read and apply the Word of God to our daily lives – we will never have to be concerned with the formation (or the retention!) of stubble.
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