Beware of the Wolves

There is no doubt that current times are difficult. Hatred, envy, greed—conflict is all around us. I remember when life growing up was simpler, less hectic. Kids played on the street while the neighbors enjoyed a friendly chat, and strangers would greet each other as they passed by. You could see people smiling, helping each other. There was respect, values.

The Bible talks about the evil increasing in the last days, and this is what we are experiencing today, not only in the world but also in the church.

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit (Jude 1:17-19 NIV).

Be careful, for example, of churches that only seem to preach about prosperity and good times. Be careful that they don’t call what’s bad as being good and what’s good as being bad. And make sure they don’t twist the Word of God to confuse and lie to their congregations.

Please don’t misunderstand me. God does want us to prosper and have an abundant life, but He wants us to be wise and lean on Him and not on our own understanding.

Be on guard against those who would pull you away from what God wants.

These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage (Jude 1:16).

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus said: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

You might ask, “How do I accomplish this?” The beauty of God is that He answers—and in 1 Peter 5:8, He tells us that we need to be alert and of sober mind.

Make sure you are serious about your relationship with God. Be disciplined by reading the Word of God, and always seek Him. Be careful of your salvation and vigilant of the wolves that want to see you fall from grace. The enemy has a plan and it is to destroy us. And he uses many things—such as people, money, work, sickness—to take our focus away from Jesus. As part of the body of Christ, we must help each other.

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life (Jude 1:20-21).

The good news is that we don’t have to do this alone. Jesus is with you and me, walking beside us every day to guide every one of our steps! Jesus defeated the devil when He died on the cross. He has great plans for our lives. He gave us purpose and authority—and His love for us is eternal. He loves you just the way you are.

Today, I encourage you to keep your focus on Jesus and be intentional in your relationship with Him. Read your Bible to gain the knowledge you need to continue your walk with the Lord. Pray, worship, spend time in His glorious presence, and if you don’t know Jesus, my friend, I invite you to give your heart to Him. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. May God bless you abundantly!

~

Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.