I am not very fond of cats. They are finicky and sometimes smell weird. Nevertheless, they are part of God’s creation. I do appreciate the allusion “Bell the Cat” because the proverbial cat has negativity associated with it, and the illusion of power. The cat may represent a life-controlling issue in one’s life. For the Christian, his enemy is like a lion, seeking who he may steal from, kill, or destroy.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8
From the standpoint of a teensy mouse, stringing a bell around a cat’s neck is risky and daunting, but once done, not only will that mouse be warned when danger is near but her friends’ will also know. Too often, I have sat quietly, safe and complacent in the realm of my existence, when I’d do good to speak up for someone and against a wrongdoing, or even to simply label a negative feeling I was experiencing. Some silence seems innocent, like saving face when someone has hurt one’s feelings or tread on the waters of comfort, saying, “retreat further and maybe the issue will dissipate”. However, many a mother knows when her children are eerily quiet, they are ‘up to no good’. In a similar way, the pet peeves fostered in silence only grow more mischevous, robbing someone of joy and growth. The silence shackles and hinders resolution.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
When the bell is ringing, one knows it is time to fight or to run the other direction. But without any sound, you and those you love may be caught unawares and in danger. One might ask the question, “Do I lay down my pride in this life for a healing moment, for a bold, righteous statement that brings to light what others may assume or allude to in gossip, but never acknowledge directly.” For if a cancer is present, but the doctor never says a word, unbothered, it spreads and kills. Why not bother the cancer?
The most cherishable relationship the Christian has is with her family of believers. Yet, it seems conflict is more feared than losing the ties that bond our lifeline together. I am reading a book called “When Church Conflict Happens” by Michael Hare in which the author lays out common ways unaddressed conflict destroys churches. Avoiding conflict does not solve anything but compounds the very issues presenting, until silence cannot be kept any longer. So, who will ‘bell the cat’ before a massacre happens? Love is hindered when one is silent about life-controlling issues. God certainly is not silent about when He is not pleased with us, yet He still loves us.
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof,for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. - Proverbs 3:11-12
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogantor rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Silence is usually a defense mechanism or a habit passed down or encouraged by those around us. The Word of God goes contrary to our habits and comfort zones. How does sitting in silence become unloving? Does resentment look like passive-aggressive behavior? Does silence foster a pattern wrongdoing in one’s life? One who passes time in resentment or fear, in their silence, refuses to bear the worthwhile burdens attached to loving people and instead engages in burdens entangled in sin & death.
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:1-2
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. - Colossians 3:12-14
I love how Colossians 3:12 parallels 1 Corinthians 13 so well. The themes are to reject resentment, selfishness, and pride, instead take on forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Love is fruitful and not silent, it rejoices in truth. Imagine if people spoke up for the truth in love and gave witness to not only the joys of love but the burdens we also gladly bear for each other (Ephesians 4:15).
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3
Remember how Christ has found joy in loving us in the most difficult way! He died loving me and you. Christ exemplified how to ‘bell the cat’ when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Have you been drowning in a situation by keeping silence, when perhaps you need to tackle it by speaking the truth of God in love?
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. - James 4:7
Enjoy a song I wrote called “Facing Lions”:
Facing Lions
Think fast fix your eyes on the goal til the end
The devil prowls around, seeking whom he may devour
Stand firm, soon you will learn the world's not your friend
Hold ground don't give up the fight
You're called to be a light
Here I stand in this jungle facing lions
Who threaten all I believe
Because I decided ... I won't hide it
Your kingdom is important to me
Fall flat face on the ground this life's not your own
Keep safe His Word in your heart, be careful never depart
Seek first the kingdom of God, He sits on the throne
Speak up and don't wait around, one day you'll give an account
Here I stand in this jungle facing lions
Who threaten all I believe
Because I decided ... I won't hide it
Your kingdom is important to me
I will rise on wings like eagles
soar above the lion's roar
with your Spirit, conquer evil
for Your hand has won the war
Here I stand in this jungle facing lions
Who threaten all I believe
Because I decided ... I won't hide it
Your kingdom is important
Here I stand in this jungle facing lions
Who threaten all I believe
Because I decided ... I won't hide it
Your kingdom is important to me
©2021 Copyright Gianna Elyse Carrasco
Love,
Gianna Elyse
Gianna Elyse 