Night is Coming.
My wife and I agreed to care for our neighbor’s children a few years ago. The girl was about seven years old and as we sat for dinner, she asked the question, “What would you say if I told you there are no poisonous snakes in NC?”
My wife said, “Yes, there are a few poisonous snakes in NC, such as copperheads.”
She replied, “Snakes are venomous, not poisonous.”
I’ll never forget that. Poisonous organisms unload toxins when you ingest them. Venomous organisms inject toxins, usually through biting or stinging. So, while there are a few poisonous snakes (toxic to eat), the vast majority are venomous.
Venom is toxic to our bodies.
Toxins can affect cells, muscles, and nerves. Nerve toxins are some of the most common toxins in animal venom. They can block nerve signaling, paralyzing muscles required for breathing. That’s why the sign says, WATCH OUT FOR VENOMOUS CREATURES.
Pima County in Arizona is home to many venomous creatures. They include snakes, spiders, scorpions, bees, wasps, ants, centipedes, to name a few. The authorities in Arizona believe there is enough danger in these animals to require posted warning signs when in their habitat. I was fortunate to get a shot of one of the deadliest creatures lurking behind the sign.
I’m kidding, of course. The gentleman walking by is one of my very good friends. He was innocent enough in the photo, but I’ve always believed there is a message there. While we need to be aware of and watch out for the venomous creatures I listed, we often forget about the toxicity within ourselves.
Night is Coming. #hope #joy #writingcommunity Click To TweetThat’s right, you can be toxic to opportunities for good.
Just as nerve toxins can affect muscles, breathing, and eventually life itself, we must make the best of every opportunity while we are on this earth. If we allow procrastination, ambivalence, or disinterest to get in the way, the very breath of our ministry while here on earth may die.
We get a glimpse of Jesus’ desire for us in the book of John. Jesus healed a man blind from birth one day. The disciples asked Jesus whose sin had caused the blindness, the man’s or his parents’. Jesus answered neither, then went on to say…
“We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4, NASB)
One of Jesus’ messages is that we need to do our work while we are alive. I would say, not just alive, but able. There may be a time when we are unable due to circumstances, health, or available resources. Jesus’ healing took place about six months before His death. He knew He didn’t have many more opportunities on this earth. Instead of putting off what He could do, He simply did it.
What about you? Do you have a stirring in your heart to do something for God? Are there needs around you begging to be met? Has someone indicated through word, action, or maybe a text or Facebook post that they could use your help?
A prayer? Meal? Note of encouragement? I believe Scripture teaches that God will supply resources to meet needs if we are willing to serve. A thought for a future post.
We know Jesus often taught by example. His example in this instance shows He acted swiftly. Shouldn’t we do the same?
Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.
Venom information taken from
