Small Foxes

Introduction

Every team, organization, or group of people must deal with small foxes. Most issues that tear teams apart or cause discomfort and discord aren’t large; they are small. But they’re not just small—they are fox-like: sneaky, subtle, cunning, and even deceptive.

Often, our problems existed long before we acknowledged them. We convinced ourselves they weren’t real issues, or that they weren’t anyone else’s problem. Instead of creating a space to talk through those matters, we buried them. Then, one day—when pressure reaches its peak—we explode. Everyone else is shocked, but we are not, because we’ve been quietly dealing with small foxes all along.

📖 Reference: “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” — Song of Solomon 2:15 (NIV)

Main Point: Small foxes—unaddressed, seemingly minor issues—can destroy unity and  productivity if left unattended.

Lighting the Tails of the Foxes

I like to draw a prophetic analogy from the story of Samson (though not in direct context). When Samson sought revenge on the Philistines, he caught 300 foxes, tied their tails together in pairs, placed a torch between each pair, and set them loose in the Philistines’ fields. The result was that the enemy’s camp was set on fire (Judges 15:4–5).

Likewise, as leaders, we must become intentional about lighting the tails of the foxes—addressing and exposing the small issues before they ruin the vineyards we are building.

📖 Reference: Judges 15:4–5

Main Point: As Leaders we must proactively expose and deal with issues before they destroy unity and purpose.p

Disagreements and Understanding

We will not see eye to eye on everything, but we must seek to understand all things. While we may disagree with each other’s perspectives, we must intentionally seek to understand the “why” behind them. No team, unit, or relationship is perfect. We will have disagreements—but how we handle them is what sets us apart and determines our success.

Main Point: Healthy teams are not defined by the absence of disagreement but by how they handle them —with humility and understanding.

The Danger of Silent Discord

As our roles become clearer and our functions more defined, there will be moments when someone’s territory feels invaded. This can breed discontentment or a sense of being unappreciated. However, this doesn’t always mean the other person had bad intentions.

As godly leaders, we have a covenant responsibility of reconciliation. The mission is not to be right—it is to gain understanding and peace. This requires a dying to self. What we do in this church is not about us—it’s about the Kingdom.

Small foxes create what I call silent discord. Silent discord is deadly because it grows in the absence of confrontation. But confrontation isn’t inherently bad—it’s a necessary part of caring for one another.

When handled with love, confrontation says: “I care enough about our relationship to ensure that nothing remains broken between us.”

📖 References:

• “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there... First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” — Matthew 5:23–24

• “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18

• “20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God xwhom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also..” — 1 John 4:20-21

Main Point: God values reconciliation over service. Silent discord destroys unity; loving confrontation preserves it.

Listening as an Act of Healing

When addressing foxes, we must be intentional about listening—really listening. Listen not to respond but to understand.

Sometimes the best response is silence until you’ve had time to process what was said. Doing so ensures you don’t mishandle someone else because you felt mishandled. Listening is a powerful act of love and maturity—it diffuses the conflict before it grows.

📖 Reference: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19

Main Point: Listening to understand rather than react is one of the most powerful ways to prevent division and strengthen unity.

Leadership Responsibility

As the leadership team and clergy of this church, we are responsible for lighting the tails of the foxes on fire. Discord, misalignment, and misunderstanding have no place among us.

If you find yourself walking in discord or sensing misalignment, seek peace and understanding. If you notice someone else struggling in these areas, don’t ignore it—approach with care and humility. The responsibility rests on whoever feels the burden of discontentment to initiate reconciliation.

This is part of our training and development. As leaders, we must strive to know the spirit of each other and always pursue peace. Some issues don’t require forty hours of prayer—they require one honest, humble conversation.

Main Point: True leadership seeks peace proactively; reconciliation begins with the one who recognizes the need.

Reflection & Application Questions

1. What “small foxes” have I ignored in my relationships or ministry that could eventually cause division?

2. How do I usually respond when I feel misunderstood or unappreciated?

3. Am I willing to confront in love rather than remain in silent discord?

4. What does reconciliation look like for me in my current relationships?

5. How can I practice better listening that promotes peace rather than misunderstanding?

6. In what ways can I, as a leader, model humility and unity for others to follow?