They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Can you imagine the meek little lamb pictured above allowing what appears to be a shepherd this close to him, with his hand upon a very vital and life sustaining place on his body-only to find out that the one he’s allowed so close is actually a “wolf in shepherd’s clothing”?  To think that someone or something could be so cunning to trick a lamb into believing he/she/it is the one who will guide them and keep them safe yet is actually the one who is seeking to kill, steal and destroy them is hard to believe but is a harsh reality in today’s selfish, egotistical and narcissistic world.

I know we’ve all heard the term a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” but I come today to encourage you to stay on guard-not just from the wolf who will fit in with the herd and then attack, but rather the one who has been charged with leading, guiding, directing and protecting the flock-the shepherd himself has allowed himself to be molded into the “preying” tactics of the wolf and has continued on a mission to destroy all in his path.

I wish I could say that this is new territory but Paul in his final words to the church at Rome states: “And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.” (Romans 16:17-18)

The good news is that the word of God promises that these phony leaders will be dealt with harshly. “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.” (Matthew 18:6-7)
 
I’m convinced that “little ones” in this text is not just in reference to children. I believe whether child or adult, even the purest, simplest soul, which has established any amount of faith, is not strong enough to resist all attacks he or she will face.

I am praying today that you will grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God’s word.  You will need the complete armor-every bit of this protective gear if you are to have any chance of surviving the preying, swaying and destroying tactics of  “a wolf in shepherd’s clothing”.