Just last week, my son pointed out that we had web worms on a tree outside our kitchen window. He, to my surprise, used his phone to Google web worms and proceeded to show me a gallery of about thirty pictures portraying the possible toll they could take on my tree, the one in which all the birds love to take shelter from the weather (and my incessant photography). Let me interject here that though these pictures warranted attention, the fact that Ben had researched this on his own was the most impressive!
That was twelve days ago. The two nests of web worms causing Ben’s concern has multiplied to ten. Insidiously they are spreading, encompassing more and more of the tree. I am becoming concerned that Ben’s photo gallery could include my tree as slowly but surely they are taking it over. No doubt you are wondering where in the world I am going with all this talk of web worms! And here is your answer. The scenario playing out in my back yard is the perfect illustration for a song that always give me pause when I hear it, bringing me to take inventory of my own life. The name of the song is “Slow Fade.” I am including the link below so that you can listen to it. Please do! The song speaks to the slow disintegration of our standards, our morals, our Christian principles, often so slow that we don’t realize it is happening until there is a price to pay. These are the words to the chorus:
It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away.
It’s a slow fade when black and white are turn to gray
And thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade.
The more flooded our society becomes with temptations to compromise, the farther out we are swept away from the Solid Rock on which we should stand.The erosion is often so deceptive, so slow that before we are realize it we’ve crossed a line we never thought possible. A compromise here, one there, and Satan has you exactly where he wants you…out of with God and feeling there is no way back. Through the blood of Jesus and the grace of God there is always a way back to the arms of your Heavenly Father, but often there are consequences that must be dealt with. Keep your eyes on Jesus as you engage in the battles against temptations you will encounter. 1 Peter 5:8 says this, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Hopefully, the web worm parallel makes some sense to you now. Don’t forget to click on the link. Be vigilant! To God Be the glory!