It seems there’s always ‘a minnow nibbling at my heel’. Do you sense that too? It’s not the whales in life that destroys a man’s worth, kills his spirit or makes him want to fight back – but the little nuisances we constantly deal with, robbing us from ‘living the fulfilled kingdom life’. It is like a minnow, biting, nibbling and always disturbing us. (Dr. Peter McLeod, late pastor/ convention speaker).
For instance, the bully is ‘after’ for the kid who reads more, makes better grades or runs faster than him; the monthly reports that must be completed on time, required meetings one has to attend, or just doing a routine job over and over with a good attitude! It may be the way ‘they do things at church’ that annoys us. All of these are ‘minnows’, and always around us. When our hearts are out of tune – every little ‘nibble’ disturbs and stings.
Mosquitoes are one of life’s ‘big’ nuisances – at least right now! People all over the world are swatting at that little ‘booger’ with purpose. We know the dangers lurking with every bite, buzz, and drop of blood. Bring back the old mosquito bars/nets that we hung all around our beds at night….the big spray cans…or the plastic swatters! Let’s get rid of them!
In our Christian lives there are small habits, tendencies and temptations that are disturbing. We know when we are being ‘led out into the left- field bleachers of life’, step by step. We know how ‘one small lie leads to another’ and soon it has ballooned out of shape. A sharp tongue just keeps biting and cutting without control – they are just like minnows or mosquitoes…never letting up!
Paul, no doubt, experienced these distractions too. Though he spoke about the virtues of the Christian life, he was ‘preaching to himself’. He knew how easy it was for one to get ‘side-tracked’ and veer off the main road, to yield to a weakness and slack-off. But he knew well what to do: pray, serve the Lord, and invest himself in sharing the Word with others. He focused attention on God and not on himself. He employed the Scripture teachings: “love one another, serve and honor one another, etc.”
When those blues and depressed feelings play on your heart strings, when circumstances are pulling you into a hole, when others are out to get you, or you feel life is passing you by …. consider using this proven plan Paul used: Col 4: “Devote time to prayer, be watchful and thankful. Pray for others; be wise in ways you act toward others; make the most of every opportunity, let your conversation always be full of grace; season your life with salt; and depend on God to know how to respond to those around you.”
During this season, on the beaches of life wherever you find yourself – watch out for the whales and sharks that make a lot of noise and scare everyone….just beware of the mosquitoes that buzz around you and minnows nibbling away at your soul. “Be strong in the Lord.” Eph 6:10.