Faithfull Utterances: Look Out for the Snakes

By Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew
Columnist

When you think of a snake, there is a powerful image that is conjured in your brain. You think about a slithering animal that sticks its tongue out and lashes its venom onto unsuspecting victims. Snakes come in a variety of sizes and colors and although not all of them are poisonous, those that are can be deadly. Just as there are all types of animals that occupy space outdoors, sometimes we find ourselves in close proximity to an unwanted critter that we may see as dangerous or threatening. In our lives, there are times that we encounter individuals that we do not expect. They begin as kind and engaging, later to discover that their words or actions are toxic and, in some cases, leak poison into our minds and souls. They never begin this way but as we provide them more access and space, our guard is down before they attack.

1. Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”

2. The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,

3. but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

4. “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.

5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3:1-5

Just like the snake referenced in Genesis 3:1-5, they are crafty and find ways to enter our lives. These individuals can make us question what we know is true about what God says and even what we know about ourselves. Even when we know what we know, they can place doubt into our minds. They also take a piece of the truth without telling the entire story. The serpent in the story did not acknowledge the command from God in its entirety but only focused on what served its purpose. They are deceptive and instead of going directly to the source to address an issue, they create dissension between you and those you are in a relationship with. You are then tempted to do something that you will later regret. Sadly, others are then brought into the mess that was started by the snake. The discovery of the snake’s lie causes so many of us to hide. We hide from our potential, from others, and we hide from God because we are ashamed, afraid, or apprehensive because of the decision we have made.

How many times are there individuals who smile in your face who then hurt you? How many of those individuals were close to us and we never saw it coming? What we learn from this story is that the snake hurts us because of proximity. They have access to us. Be so mindful of who you allow into your space, especially when you are vulnerable. Eve was vulnerable—she was not clothed and thought she could be comfortable with something that was in the same space as she was. He knew her vulnerability, but she didn’t initially. It wasn’t until after she was hurt that she realized her vulnerability. Be careful of who you allow into your space to reveal those private, precious parts of yourself.

Some people don’t deserve close and personal access. They don’t deserve the engagement of your time, talent and thoughts. Eve thought she could trust the serpent because of closeness, but everyone that may be in the place that you are in could be there under false pretense, and are not necessarily who you think they are. 1 John 4 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” And just because they say the right things, doesn’t mean that they necessarily believe it or live it: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21-23) Seeking God before rushing to judgment and using discernment is critical. Tread carefully and with caution. Don’t worry about who let the dogs out. Worry about allowing the snakes in.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.