The Bible describes Satan as a roaring
lion, constantly on the prowl looking for a victim to devour. However, Satan is
not all knowing, all-powerful, nor can he be everywhere at once. Knowing this
weakness, the devil recruits wolves to help with his dirty work. These wolves
infiltrate our homes, workplaces, and churches with devastating consequences.
It is hard to recognize a wolf
because they are masters of disguise. They will spend years masquerading as
your friend; all the while spewing lies in order to achieve their own personal
goals. Some even manage to slide behind the pulpit, mutilating scripture to
convince people that their way is truth. Over time they build packs from the
brainwashed followers who were oblivious to their true identity.
The motives of the wolf have
absolutely nothing to do with God or others; any appearance to the contrary is
only a mirage. Their ultimate goal is fueled by pride, lust or greed, and they
will patiently wait for the perfect moment. If anyone tries to comprise the
wolf’s true identity, they crush their accuser by rallying their pack to their
side. The courageous person is left to sift through the ashes of their life,
doubting God and wondering why the truth was invisible to everyone else.
The best form of defense against a
wolf is not going on the hunt. That would only turn us into villains ourselves.
Our hearts would fill with fear instead of love, stopping the continuous flow
of the Spirit through us. As individuals we should rest our hope in Christ who
will ward off any adversary, even the big bad wolves.
Should you spot a wolf, lean on the
Spirit and seek out others who can assist you. Do not use the opportunity to
start vicious rumors of your own because that will bring you down to the wolf’s
level, giving victory to the enemy. Instead, cover the situation in prayer,
then in the spirit of love and humility approach the wolf. Refuse to allow the
wolf’s bark to scare you away, but stand firm on your foundation in Christ.
Through His power the wolf will be cast out.
If you have already confronted a
wolf, or have fallen to their attack, know you are not alone. Though your life
may seem ruined and the truth buried beneath the filth of lies, do not lose
hope. The darkness may be hard to see through, but remember the Lord will not
abandon you. Also know that the wickedness of the wolf has not gone unnoticed, and
God will bring them to justice. Do not be angry at the wolf, allowing your heart
to become callused, rather you should lift them up in prayer, and live your life
with peace knowing that your God is bigger.
The devil and his wolves are all
around us. Some sit next to us in the classroom, others work along side us, and
they fill a seat in a pew on Sunday. As Christ-followers we have to be on
guard, not only for ourselves, but also for the cloud of witnesses that
surround us. And when the wolves come prowling around our pasture, we have to
pray that the Holy Spirit gives us discernment. Only after the wolf’s lies are
filtered through the Spirit can we recognize their true nature. After the
wolves are spotted, we place our hope in the Good Shepherd, who will deliver us
from harm.
Beware of false teachers who come
disguised as harmless sheep, but are wolves and will tear you apart. Matthew 7:15 (TLB)
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