Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Like Poison or Honey?

Did you know that the poison from an oleander plant is so strong that it can poison a person who simply eats the honey made by bees that have digested oleander nectar? That’s some serious honey.

When we ‘digest’ all the things the world has to offer – gossip, greed, pride – it’s like eating the oleander honey. It becomes poison to the soul that spreads like a disease. It will eat away our love for others. It will corrode our love for God and it will convince us that we don’t need to rely on God.

However, when we ‘digest’ God’s word and make it a part of our lives, then our natural response is to spread the goodness. Not only do we benefit, but everyone around us benefits. Rather than reacting with equal insensitivity when someone wrongs us, we respond instead with love. We stop the poisonous cycle. This is because we have become more open for God to shine through us.

So, fill yourself with God. Embrace His ways. Practise His truths. And share the sweet honey of His salvation.

note: I wrote this as guest poster for 's Blest Athiest blog. Thanks, Elizabeth, for the privilege.

15 comments:

Just Be Real said...

Amen to digesting God's word full of life. Blessings to you Lyn.

Anonymous said...

This is such a true analogy....

Blessings,
Tammy

Jody Hedlund said...

Beautiful devotion, Lynda. I find that amazing that such a little bit of poison can infect the honey. I guess that shows it only takes a little bit of pride or any sin to start to poison the good in us.

Andrea said...

WOW..powerful post!
Thank you!

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Powerful reality and something that sadly can be easy to forget.
~ Wendy

NanaNor's said...

What an amazing bit of info-and analogy. I knew Oleander was poisonous but didn't realize the honey was also. The world is like that with us-something can taste so good and be so bad for us spiritually. Thanks for sharing.
Noreen

livinginbetween said...

Well, I'm going to look at honey in a new light! ;)

Seriously, what a perfect thought-picture. It is so easy to be tainted by the poison of this world. I'd like to be pure honey to those that I meet -- sweetening their life with God's love.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Sorry I haven't been around to keep up with comments - my cat is in a world of pain at the moment and we had to take her to the vets for an overnight stay so he could check her over thoroughly. It's been a bit stressful.

Thank you all so much for your comments.

Gregg Metcalf said...

That was an outstanding post. I did not know tht about that plant. The world is far more dangerous. Thank you for that exhortation!

Kathy M. said...

What a great metaphor. I love this post. Thank you.

Karen said...

Oh no...hope your cat is OK and gets better soon...

I read your analogy over at Elizabeth's blog a little while ago...it is very good....

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Karen. I just got a call from the vet to say he is checking up on a lump he found. Prayers for my cat would be awesome. I love her so much.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Yes such a good post, I will stay on God's side.

Rochelle said...

Wow, I had never heard that before! You are so wise! I love reading your posts. :)

Cristi said...

This is so good. I found your blog tonight from my friends blog and I really am enjoying your little devotionals. I am going to have to read this to my sweet daughter, we have been talking lately on how we react to things and being an exsample to her brother and sisters. So thank you for this.