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 because we all have the potential to behave like wolves.
As saved sinners, we are prone to acting like animals. We can be wolf-like, treating our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ poorly and misleadingly. 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 ever act like a wolf? Or are you more like a lamb? Click To TweetDo 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, diminish others to build themselves us, and act like it’s up to them to get everyone in line (as if the Lord’s work of transforming lives isn’t enough!)
When we act like wolves we put our desires and goals above a love for others and the fruit of the Spirit, like patience and humility. We do so at great cost to others in the body, possibly being more concerned that they follow “our way” than follow Jesus.
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. Each wolf is always seeking to be the leader and to have the best position.
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. They want to be in control, because whatever that costs, it’s what they believe is for the best.
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.
Be 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. Thank God we can repent, ask His help to change, and turn back even if we’ve led others astray in some way.
{A version of this post previously appeared here}
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This is a good point. We think of wolves as extremists, but we can all too often exhibit wolf-like tendencies.
I sure can be wolf-like at times! Thanks for joining in, Barbara! May we be people of peace.
Good reflection, Bethany! May we always check our hearts and find our motives to be pure.
Blessings,
Amen, Patricia! Blessings to you too.
This is so relevant for all creators. Are we thinking of our readers/listeners as numbers or are we investing in their lives, committed to their growth?
Great application, Michele. That’s convicting, thank you!
Bethany, this is such a fresh approach to these scriptures. Thank you for putting these together like this so we can allow the word to wash us.
May the Word wash us clean! Amen. Thank you, Debbie!
I needed that main scripture passage today. Thank you.
So glad to get to share it. Thanks for joining in, Lauren!
That’s quite a contrast between sheep and wolves, Bethany. Just thinking about the members of the pack constantly vying for dominance turns my stomach. It feels a bit odd to write this, but I would much rather be part of a flock than a pack!
Haha I love it, and I’m with you! Let’s be part of a flock rather than a pack.
Interesting message, Bethany. Thanks for this honest post for Christians. Paul was talking about these wolves as “inside jobs” among a body of believers. It should turn our stomach and our spiritual mindset to think we have the capacity to act this way.
This is powerful: “When we act like wolves we put our desires and goals above a love for others and the fruit of the Spirit, like patience and humility. We do so at great cost to others in the body, possibly being more concerned that they follow “our way” than follow Jesus.”