“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves
will come in among you, not sparing the flock”
(Acts 20:29).
Wolves are the largest animals in the canine family. They have a thick fur that helps them survive in unfavorable climates. Wolves seek to transmit strenght and aggression and generate submission and fear. They usually live in packs, within an established territory, which they mark. They attack and consume by force, and are rapacious, that is, given to plunering, poaching, or preying.
What’s more, we need to remember that the wolf is a nocturnal animal with a great sense of sight, and it tries to gain the advantage over its potential victims who do not see well at night. With such characteristics, it is not surprising that Paul used these animals as a metaphor to warn the church.
Who would be the “wolves” eager to harm the flock of believers? Well, they are the false teachers who seek to replace the ancient Word of God with novel ideas of their own; they are those who say, “Thus said the Lord,” when the Lord has not spoken; they are disguised heresies; they are those who consider themseves self-reliant, demand authority, and act as masters of the church to carry out their deceptions.
Beware of those who gowl, shout, and seek to impose themselves through fear, using threats, aggression, and criticism.
Beware of those who think they are the judges of doctrine, procedures, and the church.
Beware of those who work in darkness, taking advantage of circumstances and even weaknesses.
Beware of those who think themselves to be saviours of the church, because there is only one Saviour and Owner: Jesus Christ, our Lord, who, according to Paul himself, bought it with His own Blood.
Beware of those who, instead of allowing themselves to be used by the Comforter, work for the accuser.
Beware of the one “who holds the truth in unrighteousness, who declares his belief in it, and yet wounds it every day by his inconsistent life, is surrendering himself to the service of satan and leading souls to ruin. This class hold intercourse with fallen angels and are aiden by them in gaining the control of minds” – Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 142 -.
Don’t be a wolf or get carried away by one of them.
Let yourself be guided today and always by Jesus,
the true Shepherd of the flock.
God bless you, let us be vigilant and sober….