Drive Away The Vultures (Part Two)

DRIVE AWAY THE VULTURES (PART TWO)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 15:9-11 

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8, Proverbs 10:18, Leviticus 19:16

INTRODUCTION 

In Part One, we discussed the importance of driving away the spiritual vultures that seek to defile our lives, such as pride, sowing discord, and lying. These vultures represent the sinful attitudes and habits that try to rob us of our relationship with God. In this continuation, we will identify additional "vultures" such as anger, malice, tale-bearing, and dishonesty—sins that, if left unchecked, can destroy our spiritual sacrifice to God.

Just as Abraham physically drove the vultures away from his sacrifice, we must spiritually drive away these negative forces from our lives. We must be vigilant and intentional about removing any defiling habits that distance us from God and hinder our spiritual growth.

1. THE VULTURE OF ANGER 

a) The Destruction of Anger

Anger is a powerful emotion that, when left unchecked, can lead to sin. In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul warns, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Anger opens the door for other sins such as hatred, bitterness, and even violence. It can lead us to make irrational decisions that dishonor God and harm others.

b) Driving Anger Away

To drive away the vulture of anger, we must exercise self-control and seek peace. Colossians 3:8 instructs us to “put away all anger, wrath, malice.” We must learn to forgive quickly and resolve conflicts in a God-honoring way.

Biblical Example: 

Moses’ anger in Numbers 20:10-12 cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. Though he was frustrated with the Israelites, his outburst of anger led him to disobey God’s command.

2. THE VULTURE OF MALICE 

a) What is Malice

Malice is the desire to harm others or see them suffer. It’s a deeper form of anger and bitterness that harbors ill will. Malice leads people to plot evil and can result in destructive behaviors. Ephesians 4:31 urges us to get rid of “bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking, along with all malice.” Malice corrupts the heart and prevents us from walking in love and forgiveness.

b) Driving Malice Away

The antidote to malice is love. In 1 Peter 2:1, we are commanded to “rid ourselves of all malice and deceit.” Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), and it is only by walking in love and compassion that we can drive away the vulture of malice.

Biblical Example: 

Cain’s malice toward his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8) led to murder. His unchecked bitterness and jealousy defiled his heart and resulted in grave consequences.

3. THE VULTURE OF TALEBEARING 

a) The Dangers of Tale-bearing

Tale-bearing, or gossip, is a vulture that spreads discord, lies, and destruction. Leviticus 19:16 warns, “You shall not go around as a talebearer among your people.” Gossip destroys relationships and tarnishes reputations. It’s often rooted in envy or malice and leads to distrust within the community of believers.

b) Driving Tale-bearing Away 

To chase away this vulture, we must choose our words carefully and speak only what is edifying. Proverbs 10:18 says, “Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.” We are called to be peacemakers and build up one another, not tear each other down with gossip.

Biblical Example: 

The spies who brought a negative report about the Promised Land (Numbers 13:31-33) spread fear and discord among the Israelites, causing them to doubt God’s promises and rebel against Him.

4. THE VULTURE OF DISHONESTY 

a) Dishonesty in the Heart 

Dishonesty is a vulture that comes to rob us of our integrity and the blessings of walking in the truth. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” Dishonesty includes lying, deceit, and withholding the truth for personal gain. It defiles our relationship with God, who is truth, and damages our witness as followers of Christ.

b) Driving Dishonesty Away 

To drive away the vulture of dishonesty, we must commit to living in the truth, no matter the cost. Colossians 3:9 urges, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.” We must choose to be people of integrity, keeping our word and being transparent in all our dealings.

Biblical Example: 

In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit about the price of the land they sold. Their dishonesty led to severe judgment, as they fell dead for attempting to deceive God.

5. THE VULTURE OF ENVY 

a) The Poison of Envy 

Envy is the vulture that corrupts our hearts by making us resentful of others' success or blessings. James 3:16 says, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” Envy breeds dissatisfaction with what we have and can lead to bitterness and strife. It prevents us from celebrating others and trusting in God’s timing for our own lives.