Australia Post recently created stamps of dangerous Australian creatures. One of them was of a red-backed spider, an extremely venomous spider and one that is quite common. In fact is it so prevalent, and the stamp so realistic, the stamp was not released for use. The very sight of it on a letter going through the post would be so realistic, it could cause panic among staff members handling mail stamped with it.
I understand how unnerving it could be because I dislike even looking at a picture of any spider, let alone the red-back. I will avoid the page, turn it over as quickly as possible, and refuse to look.
Yet the red-back is an attractive piece of work. It is refined looking, well proportioned and if spiders had a catwalk for models, it would surely win a prize among the designer-labelled.
It is also quiet and well behaved, living and working mainly in dark, cramped quarters and rarely making an appearance. It goes about its business with efficiency and you never hear it complain.
It even does some good works like trapping annoying insects and disturbing unwelcome intruders. Put a red-back on the door and the thief will be deterred!
In fact, we could make a claim for its protection if we tried. We could say it keeps a balance in life, it dissuades bad behaviour, it cleans up the environment, it prevents crime, it has caused great scientific achievement through the creation of an anti-venom which enhances the reputation of hospitals and medical staff. And think how dull the spider world would be without its amazing colouring!
You see, we could make a case for this dangerous invader of our habitation in the same way Satan made a good case for eating what God had forbidden.
It is only by knowing God’s instructions that we can avoid mixing the labels of good and evil and God does not mince matters. In the song of the vineyard, He said, ‘woe unto those who call evil good and good evil,’ Isaiah 5:20.
Jesus carried the thought through. He said we are like workmen for the kingdom of heaven in a vineyard, Matthew 20:1, and he warned us that we must be worthy of our wages. ‘I will pay whatever is right,’ He said.
Let us be careful not to let Satan persuade us to mix the labels.
By Just a Minute team writer Elizabeth Price
You can contact Elizabeth direct at mailto:reprice@dragnet.com.au