Here are three lessons we can learn from a Spider.
1. Web
The majority of spiders build webs. The web acts as their home, safety net, nursery, and prey trap. If you look closely at a spider web you can see the amazing detail they weave and the delicacy of the hard work the spider puts in to make it. This doesn't happen by chance or learning, the spider was created and given the ability and tools to create its web by God. Just as the web is designed with care, attention, detail, and time, our lives as Christians, should be purposeful, time-efficient, and focused on God's voice and Word. Our "web" should not be one of lies and laziness but of beauty and truth that points others to Christ. There may be broken strains in our web from sin, heart-ache, or wounds, but the web is able to be fixed with the loving and skillful hand of Jesus. He gives peace in place of fear, comfort in place of sorrow, rest in place of exhaustion, fullness in place of void, and redemption from sin. Our lives are not to showcase how "good" we are or point others to us as an example of how to live, but our lives are to show others how a sinner is transformed and set free by the grace and mercy of God, how God loves us so much He sent His only Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Our main purpose is to bring honor, glory, and praise to God Almighty, and follow Christ's example of how we should live. Let your "web" be a beautiful beam that when light shines on it the glisten from it radiates Christ's love and forgiveness to others.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:2).
2. Silence
Spiders are known to easily creep up on unexpected by-standers, walk without noise, and jump effortlessly. With this skill, they are known as silent but deadly. As Christians, we are not to live like the world, loud, obnoxious, shameful, indulging in sin or worldly pleasures, filled with hate. As Christians, we are to live following Jesus' example with the Holy Spirit's help and guidance, being filled with the fruit of the Spirit and set apart from the world. This means sometimes we need to keep silent, hold our tongues, and walk away. Other times we need to stand up and speak the truth in love. The tongue is a dangerous weapon, the Bible tells us it has the power to heal or kill and that it is one of the hardest things to tame. If we shout and cuss as the world does, how does that set us apart? How does that show nonbelievers that we are different and that we are filled with God's love? If we keep silent when others are blasphemy or harming innocent, helpless humans or animals, how does that set us apart from the world? In times of violence, it is important to understand that we are to speak up the TRUTH in LOVE, being careful of our words so that our testimony is not damaged and we remain blameless. Let your voice and actions be used to glorify and honor God.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. - James 3:5b-12
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. - James 3:13-18
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:17-21
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. - 2 Timothy 4:2-5
3. Fear
Spiders, though small, are one of the most feared insects. With their hairy legs, multiple eyes, and fangs, they are small but scary. God knows we are small and weak, but we are made for a purpose and considered precious to Him. We aren't to be small and scary, but standing tall and filled with His power. God uses our weakness and frailty to magnify His strength and greatness. Nothing, not our lack of strength, not a disability, not a lack of energy can prevent God's plan for your life. He knows everything that will happen to you and has a plan and purpose for each moment of your life. In the difficulties and painful moments and in the happy and positive ones. God is always with you and wants you to depend on Him in all situations and moments. Sometimes our mishaps are God's way of changing the way we are living and to remind us to fully depend on Him.
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. - 1 John 4:17-19
In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. - Proverbs 14:26-27
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. - Luke 12:6-7
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. - Luke 12:32
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7
Loved this meditation! Won't ever look at spiders the same way again!!