SPOIL: Five-Minute Friday

Children and Food

The word “spoil” is interesting. Most probably think of spoiling a child, or food that is way beyond the “use by” date. It is certainly possible to harm the character of a child by overindulgence or by succumbing to the child’s unending demands. That type of spoiling can have long-term negative impacts on the child and everyone who comes in contact with the little tyrant.

It is also possible to spoil food by adding too much of the right or wrong ingredients. Salt is a good thing, but it quickly spoils a dish if the right proportions are ignored.

Another type of Troublemaker is the Spoilsport

A spoilsport is good at ruining other people’s fun or enjoyment. We use words like grinch, killjoy,  and wet blanket to describe this type of spoiler. Wet blankets can dampen any party or activity and they wind up killing joy. They are the mean ones, like Mr. Grinch.

One More Type of Spoil

If you sack, plunder, or despoil the belongings or freedoms of another group of people, you have the opportunity to profit by taking the spoils of war. This may include taking slaves in addition to grabbing up all of the valuables.

God is Not Unaware or Passive Regarding Spoil

In Psalm 76 Asaph wrote a song that describes the way we should view the temporary advantages of the spoiled child, the spoilsport, and those who profit at another’s expense. The purpose of the song is to make the worshipper remember the inevitable response of a holy God against those who refuse to submit to his ultimate authority.

The word “spoil” appears in this Psalm that starts by declaring that God is great, strong, and is to be feared. In Psalm 76:5-12 Asaph says, “The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands. At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned. But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused? From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still, when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth. Selah

Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt. Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared, who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.”

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

They have a right perspective about all of life under God’s sovereignty. Solomon says it is possible to get that right perspective through listening and calling for insight, understanding, and wisdom.

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.”  – Proverbs 2:1-8

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.