One of the questions we often ask when reading Scripture is “how does this apply?” We’re usually thinking in terms of what the Word means for our lives or what promises it holds. Sometimes we ask how it might comfort or exhort us.
Scripture can also warn us about our own nature.
Do you know Acts 20:29-30?
“Savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”
We read this verse and think of off-base mega-preachers, church fads, and wacky sects leading people away from God. Paul wasn’t just warning the church against outsiders, but fellow believers. That includes each of us.
As saved sinners, we are prone to acting like animals. We can behave like wolves, even towards our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. We might feel like lambs, believing ourselves to be innocent and well-intentioned. But, that can be a disguise from both ourselves and others.
Do you ever act like a wolf?
Do you feed on others?
Wolves are driven by their appetite –what they find satisfying and appealing. They bite and devour to get their fill, much like we’re warned against in Galatians 5:15:
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Rather than being concerned with bearing fruit in the Lord, wolves in the church care more about being “fed.” They’ll gladly tear up the flesh to satisfy their yearnings as if the Lord’s work of transforming lives isn’t enough.
When we act like wolves we put our desires above a love for others and make our personal goals our hope for satisfaction –often at great cost to others in the body.
Do you expect to be the leader of the pack?
Sheep live in flocks. They trust and obey their shepherd. Their shepherd provides what they need to be satisfied. Wolves, on the other hand, are pack animals. They compete for dominance and seek to be the leader.
Quick to stir up conflict out of self-interest and create division in order to keep the order they are comfortable with, wolves don’t treat all members with equal compassion or respect.
Characterized as sneaky, wolves may seem humble and calm, but they are puffed up and ultimately use aggression to get their own ways and serve their own interests.
We, by acting like wolves, fulfill what is warned against in Colossians 2 as Paul describes those who like to take charge, condemn others, as well as set up rules in order to build themselves up. Paul reasons: “they have lost connection with the head.” Colossians 2:19
By our nature, we’re much more like wolves than like lambs. Share on XBe on guard, check your heart.
There are days and seasons when we lose sight of whom we serve and, like wolves, begin to serve our own appetites instead.
{Originally published on My Faith Radio}
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Bethany, this is full of wisdom. Sometimes we like to look over the fact that these verses are for ourselves maybe even more than those people that instantly come to mind when we read them! Thank you for this important reminder!
Yes, I do want to be on guard! I do not want to lose connection with the Head!
Great post, Bethany!
Amen, me too! Thank you!
Powerful, Bethany. It is always wise to ask God to help us. I think this is why a prayer life is so important, not because of ritual or anything but relationship. We are less apt to get off track on a regular basis, or fade slowly when we are walking consistently with Him.
Amen, Meg. I think that’s why prayer is so important too. It’s a lot harder to be openly acting on temptation and led astray by sin while talking to God, listening to God, and asking His help.
Good reminder to be on guard, Bethany. As soon as we let down our guard, the devil can crack open the door of pride, can’t he? Thank you for the reminder today. 🙂 Happy to be visiting from Lyli’s place this morning. 🙂
Yes he can! Thank you for your encouragement, praying the Lord helps us keep guard!
An important reminder and warning, Bethany. Thank you for being obedient to speak the truth even though it may hurt and convict us. Blessings on your week! (Popping over from Lyli’s)