What Quietly Enters In

Bees…the buzzing can cause us to run for cover, but the golden honey mixed with melted butter on a biscuit makes one thankful they exist. Bees do have some wonderful qualities. They are necessary for our environment as they are great pollinators, carrying pollen to different plants fertilizing them so they will reproduce. And, of course, the honey😊

Today while working at the church, a man we hired informed me of a hive he discovered near our roof. In fact, he took this picture, so we could easily locate the hive. Knowing a coming event would be taking place there, I showed our custodian, Randy, the picture. Deceivingly, the picture made the hive appear small, but when Randy and I found it, he said, “That’s a big hive, and they are inside!” Bees had penetrated our building, which was not good. Action would have to be taken.

My thoughts went to Randy’s comment and how the bees were inside. They infiltrated the church without us even knowing. Yet, how quietly thoughts and lies infiltrate our minds and draw us away from God. Maybe it starts as discontent, disappointment, or frustration. Maybe too many trials or hard days. Maybe days of serving yet not allowing God to refill. Maybe busy days keep us from time with God. So many things can break down our barriers, and slowly thoughts enter our hearts and minds turning us from Him.

I wonder if this is how it started with Cain. Both he and Abel worked hard, one choosing to care for sheep and the other produce. Cain worked hard and his land was fruitful. Abel’s flock increased. Both brothers desired to give what they had back to the Lord. Cain gave a gift, but Abel offered his best. While their story does not offer the reasons why Cain’s offering was not acceptable, God’s lack of favor offered Cain a choice. He could seek ways to know God and understand what was acceptable, or he could make the choice which then led to tragedy. In seeing Cain’s anger and downcast spirit, God issued a warning.

“The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6-7)

Cain really wanted to be accepted by God, but rather than pursing God and a relationship, he allowed the anger to fester. He allowed thoughts to enter his heart and did not fight the temptation that was right at his door. He let sinful thoughts enter his heart, which led to the death of Abel.

Where do your thoughts take you? What do you allow to enter in? Sometimes it starts small, like a queen bee and some worker bees with a small nest. However, before you know it, thoughts have taken over, like bees infiltrating the building. What are you allowing to infiltrate your mind?

Randy used a powder to stop the infiltration. Immediately the bees died, and the danger has passed. How will you take care of what has crept into your mind? Don’t let sin crouch at your door. Instead, draw near to God and ask Him to help you see your heart the way He sees it.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24)

In His Love,

Susan