One of Aesop’s ancient fables is
about a lion and three bulls. The story tells how a certain lion often prowled
about the pasture where three bulls grazed together. The lion had tried on many
occasions to lure one or the other of the bulls to the edge of the pasture
where he might attack him and eat him. The bulls were wise to his treachery,
however, and stayed close together while grazing. The lion had even attempted a
direct attack, but the bulls had formed a ring around him so that if he
attacked one, the others could gore him.
As time passed, the lion came upon a
plan. Secretly he began to spread rumors and to slander one bull to another. At
first the bulls wouldn’t believe him. However, as he persisted in these lies,
they began to look distrustingly at each other. Finally, they attempted to
avoid each other by grazing in different sections of the pasture. This was what
the lion wanted and he began to attack them one by one, enjoying a great feast.
The Bible says that our enemy the
devil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1
Peter 5:8). When we are divided, we become vulnerable. Let’s covenant together
to shun Satan’s efforts to divide and devour. Let’s forego gossip and slander,
confront mistrust rather than harbor it, and check our damaged egos at the
door. When resisted, Satan’s power is negated. Together, we can feed on
spiritual truth of the gospel and stand firm in our faith as a body of Christ!