An old woman, who never had children, lovingly created and baked a gingerbread man to be her son.
However, as soon as she pulled the gingerbread man out of the oven, he leapt off the cookie sheet and ran out the door; crying, "Run, Run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!"
He continues running past several people and animals, taunting them with the same cry of, "You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!".
Until............
Clever Mr. Fox.
Mr. Fox warns the Gingerbread Man of a river up ahead and offers to help him cross. However, Gingerbread Man is cautious, knowing that Mr. Fox would like to eat him. Mr. Fox assuages Gingerbread Man's fears by explaining that he will carry the Gingerbread Man across the river on his tail - which is far away from his mouth. So the Gingerbread Man hops on Mr. Fox's tail and they start across the river.
Mr. Fox, "Careful, Gingerbread Man, the river is getting deeper. Hop onto my back so you don't get wet."
Gingerbread Man hops on Mr. Fox's back.
Mr. Fox, "Oh no! The water is rising even higher. Quick! Get on top of my head before you are drowned!"
Gingerbread Man trustingly hops on top of Mr. Fox's head.
Mr. Fox, "Hurry Gingerbread Man, for the water is even deeper now. Hurry to the safety of the tip of my nose!"
Gingerbread man runs up Mr. Fox's nose.......... to be snapped up by Mr. Fox for a tasty little treat.
While reading the story, God brought to mind a great spiritual application (which the kids and I discussed).
Say you and I are the Gingerbread Man.
Say the old woman represents God.
Any guesses as to who Mr. Fox represents?
That' right - Satan. The father of lies.
How often do I run away from my loving Creator, thinking I know what is best for me? I can't wait to be free of the confines of following His rules. I want out of His house and spread my wings - to my own glory.
I'm smart, good, talented.............and prideful of my own abilities. "Can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread-super-woman". I'm outrunning everybody. Staying ahead of the game. I'm even smart enough to recognize trouble. I know there is
But one day a minor temptation floats in my head like a faint whisper. Perhaps indulging this once won't be a problem. After all, it isn't anything really bad. I hop on the tail.
Next thing I know, another temptation comes along. Nothing big, mind you. Just maybe something I wouldn't have done back on the river bank. I hop on Mr. Fox's back. So far the only consequences are me staying dry. No worries. Nothing bad has happened. I'm still in control. His mouth can't reach me from clear up there.
The only problem is that now I'm enjoying things I shouldn't be. I'm too prideful to realize it's not me in control. I've left the house and am taking a swim in the river with Mr. Fox at the helm. Knowing my weaknesses (the river is rising), Mr. Fox finally persuades me to hop onto his head. Take the next step.
You remember the story's ending, right?
I end up cookie crumbs.
Anyway,
I thought it was a nice reminder to remain on guard against the devil's schemes. To not give in to those little
After all, a Fox is a Fox.
That's just the way the cookie crumbles.
1 Peter 5:8 - Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
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