Snip It In The Bud……
And Say “No Stubble Here”!
“Give us this day our DAILY bread” Matthew 6:11
Today I would like reflect to 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 Song of 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 of “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 of hair that are beginning to form and haven’t yet been shaven. Stubble is the initial 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 the stubble that has already appeared; 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 geared 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, where we must be the most aggressive. We can’t wait for ungodly thoughts to become actions…we must “snip them in the bud”. (Remember “spiritual stubble” can also produce or result in ungodly actions such as: indecisiveness, procrastination, habitual latenesses, excessive or extreme eating habits, unbalanced lifestyles, etc.)
Again let me reiterate…. 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).
We can also prevent the growth of stubble by the application of a planned daily maintenance routine. We must begin our day by spending time in the presence of the Lord. This will not only “shave off” any stubble; but will prevent its growth as well. Beginning your day with the Lord will prevent you from getting up on the “wrong side” of the bed! Beginning your day with the Lord will assist you in framing your day with faith filled words and eliminating the formation of thoughts and expressions that will manifest into unwanted and undesired plans throughout your day.
So, let’s be more determined that we will not permit anything; regardless to its minute size to come between us and our love for the Lord. Remember, it’s those little, seemingly “no harm” things….. that stubble… that hinders our walk with the Lord; robbing us of the effectiveness of our God given authority, power and privileges.
Be aggressive! Read and apply the Word of God to your life – daily! Then you will never have to be concerned with the formation (or the retention!) of stubble.
“ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23, 24 (KJV)
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