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| Encountering a sheep in wolf’s clothing |
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Typically we think of the wolf deceitfully trying to pass himself off as a sheep in order to gain access to the pen. But once in a while, we actually encounter a sheep inside the fold who acts more like the wolves so common in the “world” outside. There’s no deceit involved there, merely ignorance, as this sheep bullies and intimidates the other sheep.
3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Often it’s easy to differentiate Godly wisdom from that which originates somewhere below. First of all, Godly wisdom is pure. The word “pure” means free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind. Doesn’t that describe wisdom that is free from the influences of our sinful, fallen natures? The fallen nature embraces worldly attitudes to get a point across. Arrogance, condescension, harshness, rudeness, threats, guile... Godly wisdom is never delivered in an ill-mannered way.
Further contrasts between wisdom from heaven and the “wolfly” approach are:
- Peace-loving vs. confrontational, refusing to walk away from a challenger
- Considerate vs. inconsiderate of others’ feelings
- Submissive vs. domineering and obstinate
- Full of mercy vs. highly critical, accusing
- Good fruit, sweet tasting, healthy spirit vs. rotten fruit, cancerous
- Impartial, generally good willed vs. holds grudges, vindictive
- Sincere, conscientious and good natured vs. manipulative
Often such misguided sheep persist in their wolf’s demeanor, insisting (typically against reason) that they are the enlightened ones. Do they know they look and sound more like a wolf than a sheep? Are they aware that the way they come across discounts everything they have to say???
When sheep take on the characteristics of a wolf, any so-called wisdom they offer will fall on deaf ears, as it should. But how should we confront these misguided sheep? How about clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 13:14), rather than another wolf suit? This must be the surest way to be imitators of God, even though it may not appear to win many arguments. (At least not by the world’s/wolf’s standards!)
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| To add a comment to "Encountering a sheep in wolf’s clothing" |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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| Wow. You always write about what I need to hear at just the right time. I hope I can always be a sheep and not a wolf. Thanks Mike much needed. |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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| Amen!!! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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I've survived a number of these kinds of "attacks". Often these are also people who have been wounded by some minor slight, and then work at getting back at everyone around them. I am amazed that forgiveness is often way too hard for some people. I also do pray that I will always be quick to forgive, I know God has been that way to me.
Good post Mike! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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Dennis, been a while since I've heard from you. (But then, it's also been a while since I've contacted YOU! ...sorry!) Hey, I've been praying for that "crossroads" you mentioned a while back. Wanna message me an update?
Cheryl, your amen means more to me than you'll know!
Becky, thank YOU! God's timing is always perfect -- it is good to know God sets his watch by my blogs! lol...JUST KIDDING! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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| Amen!! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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 Are we speaking of wolves, goats or merely bossy old ewes in the flock here? I once heard a description of sheep in a paddock. I asked a farmer who, in a mixed flock, usually leads. He said that sometimes there is a bossy old ewe, who will lead the way. Bossy old ewes are the head-butting kind, who will push and shove the other sheep around until they submit. Every church I've ever been in has at least one of these. |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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Hmm Grant, thinking if there's one of those in our current church. I think so, maybe several, but none that have any real power. Our church culture is actually one of perceived refuge for those hurt by previous churches. I have heard many such stories from the people I go to church with! (It's uncanny! Coincidence? I wouldn't go quite that far.)
Cher, thank you too for the amen, means a lot coming from you! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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True, I am at times wearing that wolf skin, to my shame. I try to justify it by what I feel the Lord has told me, but in reality, it is what the Lord has told "me". I get riled up unjustifiably, because I "feel" that what I received should be heard by everyone, when the one speaking often is the one that needs to hear the most, what the Lord is saying. There are times that the Lord speaks to the body, but not in a forceful manner, because He said: Mat 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
So if they don't want to hear, I can't try to force someone to hear me, because again He said: Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
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| March 31, 2008 |
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I try to justify it by what I feel the Lord has told me, but in reality, it is what the Lord has told "me".
Gary, wow that is a mature thing to say! I'm proud to call you "brother"! Bless your humble heart! Actually, I have struggled with that very same thing. It is soooo hard to separate God's word to me from God's word to the world.
You remind me of this relevant scripture, that God has used to bring me back into submission time and time again: "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (Rom 12:3) |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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Amen, it is a narrow road to walk, but the rewards are worth the struggle. Praise to the Lord for His rod of correction, and Yes it does hurt for a time, but the welts go away, but the memory is embedded in my spirit! And the love and hugs He gives when we come back to Him are so wondrous. The Lord does not need me to speak His words, but I need Him to know His Word! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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| Manhugs to you for sharing this, Gary. Thanks for putting your pride aside for the benefit of all who read!! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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| Good word, Mike! A good measuring stick for evaluating our own interchanges as well as others'. Not everyone who calls Him "Lord, Lord" is walking toward the sheepfold, but thankfully He allows turn-arounds! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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hehehe..we just passed like ships in the night, Kathy. I just messaged you! :-)
Yes, this scripture is a great one for evaluating the "wisdom" that comes at us daily! Style does indeed count!! |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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| March 31, 2008 |
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Excellent blog Mike! As I was reading this, I had to check myself....hoping I'm coming across as a sheeply sheep to the rest of the flock. YIKES! Great food for thought--think I'll munch on it for awhile.
Blessings Brother! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| Wow! Most of the time we blog and talk about things outside the flock that try to get inside. Your insight has made me think about those inside that would coerce others to see only their slanted viewpoints. The Bible is replete with cautions about those who would interfere with the development of early Christian churches. Thanks Mike, wolves come in all kinds of clothing don't they? |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| AMEN!!! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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I bet deep down that wolf really wants to be a sheep anyway. Maybe he's hanging around the flock hoping that some of their wool may bring forth static cling?
Great Word my Brother! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| Mike thanks for posting this blog. Have a blessed day! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| Oh yeah! I forgot to say "yes you got a witness, and a amen on that!" |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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TigerT, you da man!
Thank you Michael, Amy, and Doyle...you guys rock my world!
Ed, thanks man, yeah this does put a slightly different spin on things. Why in the heck would a sheep put on wolf's clothing??? Only for selfish reasons, and likely out of ignorance. Few things cause division in the church like ignorance. Watch out, it's a wolf!!! No wait, it just looks like one. And it can do as much damage I'm afraid.
Birdie, you are so doggone encouraging! You usually are. I don't think you have to worry much about wolf's clothing. I've seen your closets and there's nothing in there but white fluff! lol
Melanie....awesome comment sister! I'm starting to think a blog isn't complete until you've commented on it! I see you have experience w/a sheep in wolf's clothing. They may be saved, but man are they un-Christlike! God bless you today sister! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| Hey mike, one of the things that is posted on our churchs website, is that we are interdenominational. My pastor is 100% italian and grew up in a family that went to Catholic church faithfully. Altho he and all of his family are not going to the catholic church anymore, he has a statement he always says when he refers to his beginnings as a catholic and it is " I dont kick my play-pen." LOL! We are a church that is made up of many backgrounds and I like that i am in a enviorment where everyone is welcomed no matter what background you are from. My husband says he is a "penta-bapti- episcolist!" But what it all boils down to is we love our Lord! God bless you brother! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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Amen! I would definately say that as individuals and as HIS body should do as Gary so humbly brought out, as I have missed it in this area as well. Sometime the Word is for "ME".
I experienced and learned this first hand sometime ago. In my excitement and passion to be used by GOD I thought this specific Word from the LORD was for a certain person....so I shared it with them. Wow, did that ever backfire! I did what I should and apologized, it was at that moment the LORD showed me that not everything He shares with me is for everyone else. I sometimes think that maybe Joseph might have felt that way when he was in the pit, or in the jail.
It's a GREAT thing that GOD can and will use all things for good for HIS glory for those who are called according to His purpose and who love Him.
On the flip side, I have encountered those sheep in wolves clothing and the wolves in sheeps clothing, both hurt but the one on the inside usually causes much more damage because the other sheep don't see it coming. That is when discernment comes in. From my perspective, from both sides, FORGIVENESS is paramount to not getting caught in the teeth.
However, I will say this, that it is most likely easier for the LORD to work with a person that is excited and passionate about Him, His Word & His ways than someone that has no interest. Do not stop listening to Him just because you made a mistake. Always, always, always check your motive for sharing a Word in which He gave you. Remain humble, teachable, moldable, pliable and sincere in your motives.
We are one body, each one of us has a very important role and without each one of us the body will not operate or function to the level in which CHRIST intended. |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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here is an interesting fact/analogy, when a sheep in wolf clothing bite, they grind their food Since they eat a variety of plants, sheep have developed special adaptations for their eating habits. They have lost their canine teeth but have developed large, flat cheek teeth with raised ridges. When chewing, the teeth move side-to-side and front-to-back in a triangular motion to grind food. where as wolves avoid using too much energy catching their food, wolves prey on weaker members of a herd, such as old, young or sick animals. They rip and tear their food. SOOOO, when I, as a sheep in wolves clothing bite my brother, I grind and grind until they are pulp, but a wolf in sheep clothing tears and rips the brother. I am so sorry for grinding on you brothers/sisters, and prayerfully will keep my teeth off of you. If you catch me grinding a brother Lord, please grab your shepherd staff and pop me in the head and nudge me back into place Lord. |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| I know a few of these wolves, and I hope that I treat them as Jesus would, even if they try my patience! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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Ahhhh! The old trick of eating and drinking with tax collectors and prostitutes without drunkenness, stealing and . . well. . . Anyway! It is a real trick to be able to not push away those in the world and act like the proverbial stuck-up religious freak while not acting so LIKE the world taht a person picks up the trappings and falls to the temptations. There are numerous examples out there and we all know them.
So, instead we need to be "like sheep among wolves - as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| Good insight, Mike. |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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Another interesting comment Gene, you are on a roll!!
Thank you woman of laughter, and Deb! Hey Deb, I've seen you interact with a sheep in wolf suit once or twice....you were exemplary in your graciousness!
Gary, wow, that is definitely taking the metaphor places I had not envisioned! lol ...But hey, it works! (Your insight really intrigues me.) I pray that I don't find you grinding or ripping our brothers/sisters, and if I do....well, the shepherd staff cometh! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| Helloooo Janell, thanks! I see you are back to your sweet grandmotherly self.....gone is the body builder physique! (I think you look better this way.) |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| In other words they are "goats." We have to endure them for now. God will separate the sheep from the goats one day. Where envy and strife is confusion and every evil work is there. With spiritual insight/discernment it is real easy to spot the wolf in sheeps clothing, but what is so scary is that we have become so accustomed the world, and the world's way of doing things, that we don't even know the difference anymore between who's on who's team. That's why the wisdom of God is to let the grow together until the end time harvest. Best thing we can do is to put on the whole armor of God and cast down every imagination that exalts itself against the authority of Christ. |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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Melanie!! Great points! I would agree that both the sheep (believer) in wolf's clothing and wolf (unbeliever) in sheep's clothing appear to be horizontal thinkers (great term!!) for the most part, seeing only the paths to their own satisfaction. Neither appears to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit when behaving in that manner -- the sheep in it's brutishness nor the wolf in it's guile. Also, both appear to be horribly deceived!
On the contrary, it stands to reason that a sheep seeking to know and be like it's Master will indeed be thinking vertically for the most part. |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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Hey Brother Todd! Howdy!
I was actually giving such ones the benefit of the doubt....I think believers can indeed become confused and deceived, and behave very badly! Like wolves in fact! This doesn't make them goats. But another fact is that some may indeed be goats! Those who will one day cry, "Lord, Lord, didn't we do such and such for you?" And he will say "Depart from me, I never knew you!"
Thanks for your comment, Todd! |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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No doubt Christians behave badly. The Bible calls the "carnal" "fleshly" etc...I have to back up and agree with you. However, that is what struck me as I read your blog. Those who consistentenly misbehave certainly are not true beleivers. A good tree produces good fruit and a bad tree bad fruit. But, I do conceed that we (especially me) misbehave and dishonor His name. |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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Indeed some Christians are an enigma. One minute they seem to be genuine loving brothers/sisters. But then, disagree with them or take the wrong stance on their pet doctrine, and Mr Hyde (or the wolf) appears. There are also some that just don't go very far in their walks, don't comprehend love, humility, grace. These I do wonder about, Todd. Cuz we can tell them by their fruit, as you say. Still I try to be generous and give the benefit of the doubt as much as possible. |
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| April 01, 2008 |
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| That's right we love them. As it is written, "The Lord knows who are his." |
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| April 02, 2008 |
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| I was gonna post something from 1 John and say something Brilliant but there are already a bunch of good comments and of course this was another excellent post. Sheep with hardenes hearts, trying to climb to the top of the flock. at least that's the mental image I'm getting. |
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| April 02, 2008 |
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| Hey Dave, now there's a vivid image! True in at least some cases I would imagine. |
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| April 02, 2008 |
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How do you counter these types of people? I for one do not argue, I make my point, may comment to a certain extent and then I am through with it. There are some people who will argue until ---- freezes over. I counter with love, listening. One thing I have learned is that you can't argue with yourself... You have to have an audience to argue, criticize, manipulate, and I don't give room for that. I can love you from a distance and I do, but I don' have to be around you. I constantly keep them in my prayers and pray that my Father will open their eyes, heal their hearts and bring them closer to him.
Great Blog Mike |
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| April 02, 2008 |
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Mike wrote, "But once in a while, we actually encounter a sheep inside the fold who acts more like the wolves so common in the “world” outside."
Huh, that's not the direction I thought you were going to go in. I've met scary people on the street (wolves) who turn out to be undercover, Christ-following Christians. Finds like those are a joy :)
Good blog nonetheless. |
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| April 02, 2008 |
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Eric, I hope that people you encounter on the street who turn out to be Christ-following Christians aren't scary!!!
Mary, it's good if you can stand your ground in the face of a wolfish sheep. Many (most?) can't, they are intimidated, understandably. Thanks for your strength, I hope it's contagious!
Paul...LOL |
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| April 02, 2008 |
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| It is intimidating Mike at times. However, I just ask God to give me the strength and the grace to deal with them in love and peace. Now that is not to say that the Old Self doesn't want to rear her ugly head because some people will try to put you in that place, but believe me when I say it takes a DOUBLE DOSE of prayers and repentance but I persevere. God is so good and he continually stands with me. |
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| April 02, 2008 |
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| really good blog.... |
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| April 02, 2008 |
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I was fooled by a sheep in wolves clothes and understand all about that stuff now. But where does the goat fit in? |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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Mary, your perseverance is admirable!! Fear not, says the Lord, right?
Thanks Plumbline! BTW, sorry I didn't respond to your earlier comment. I especially liked "Always, always, always check your motive for sharing a Word in which He gave you. Remain humble, teachable, moldable, pliable and sincere in your motives." which went hand in hand with "I thought this specific Word from the LORD was for a certain person....so I shared it with them. Wow, did that ever backfire! I did what I should and apologized". You may have come across as a rather wolfly person when you shared, but most definitely reverted to a sheep when you apologized. As I've said before, apologies are lovely!! I say "I'm sorry" every day!!! Wolves rarely if ever say it! |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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Thanks Pastor Tim, always appreciate hearing from you!
Joey, my Joey....(the goat is a different metaphor.....don't mix 'em!! lol) |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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| Thanks for this, Mike. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one encountering such people. :-) I try to the best of my ability to act in a Christ-like manner; however, I am only human and do succumb to the flesh at times when dealing with one particular person as you've described in your post. This sort of reminds me of the old song..."And they'll now we are Christians by our love...." When people use bullying tactics, etc., to get their points across, they're really not coming forth humbly to share the Word. |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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I like what Paul said {not Paul of the Bible, but Paul with the great wife named Sue!} not a
"b a a a a a a d blog!" hehehehehe |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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No worries Dennis, the concept of treating people primarily on the basis of grace and mercy is most definitely not a doctrine that is built on one scripture. Your examples are actually the isolated cases, not mine. And regarding anger, our Lord also said this:
"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." (Matt 5:22) |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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From a Ministry view point, the point Mike is making is 100% correct...anger management is part of the therapy I counsel with as a Biblical Encourager. Have taken extensive classes over anger management and as a professional public speaker...one knows trying to convey any point to another in a offensive tone will 'turn-off' the hearer and ultimately turn them from your main view point ...which should be Jesus.
Peace and Blessings~ |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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Deborah, take heart! You are definitely NOT alone! You seem to have a good understanding of the importance of humility in the messenger too.
Cher, THANKS. I appreciate your informed perspective and partnership for the gospel! |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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I used to participate in a denominational-friendly forum. Most of those involved were college graduates. My higher education was going to the 12th grade twice. There were many there who actually enjoyed debating, They would go thru a post, pick out words or phrases, and squeeze the very life out of them. Or they would quote so many theologians, historians, writers, and scriptures that it got pretty complicated.
To me, christianity is simple. I live it simple. I talk it simple. And I minister simple. Am I right? For me, yes. But what is GOD's will for my life is not GOD's will for everybody's life. How my brother or sister live out their life may not meet my "approval". That is okay. I do not always meet their approval.
Occasionally, over the years I have heard I am easy on sin. Remembering how patient GOD has been with me, how long it took me to own the simplest truths, in other people's lives this is true. Too many times fruit is judged bad when it is just needs time to ripen.
Oh, there are times when a sheep makes other sheep uncomfortable, acting more like a wolf than a sheep. The natural instinct is to flee. But that "other sheep" needs us a lot more than we need it. What happens to a sheep isolated in the wilderness?
"Hey, can anybody hear me?"
"I knew they were not as serious about following Jesus as I am. So now I walk alone. Oh well, good riddance. Now I don't have to put up with all their compromise and ignorance. That grass over there looks greener."
"Yes, Jesus, we are ninety-nine. One couldn't get along with anybody so we kinda left him out in the wilderness."
"Oh no, Jesus, it was not our fault. We heard your voice calling, we knew to come, but that one sheep wanted to go another direction. We tried to persuade that sheep to come with us but it would not."
"What did you say, Jesus? Stay here. Uh, okay. Where are you going? To look for that one sheep? Oh, well, we will be here when you get back."
"Well, this is just great. Here we are and Jesus has left us alone. If that one sheep had just fit in with us instead of doing it's own thing we would all be with Jesus now. I sure hope He gets baaaack soon. Hey, did you hear that? I sure hope that is your stomach growling."
In this humorous (I hope) account of the familiar parable I touch on how we subtly disassociate with "different" (other) sheep. Which is quite easy to do when you consider their behavior. But Jesus never gives up, never quits searching for a way to bring them into the fold. If Jesus cares enough to leave the ninety-nine to search for one, and I follow Him, I will go where He goes. And I will do what He does.
Sometimes we get walked on before we wash feet. Sometimes we only are allowed to plant seeds. Sometimes we fail miserably. But sometimes, praise GOD, another sheep who has spent so much time alone he has taken on the conduct of the wolf, is reunited with the fold.
I am thankful that Jesus looked beyond my words and actions and looked into my heart. Words make very good walls and actions can be threatening but beyond those, in the heart where I really live, is who I am. Jesus cared enough to know me.
But what about if we reach out and all we have to show for our effort is teeth marks? At least you made an effort to touch another. Wounded or hurt animals can react quite differently than they normally would. So do wounded and hurt christians. I have seen more than once christians who hide from intimacy with the brethren thru scripture (the very thing that should reveal intimacy).
I guess by some's definition I was once a sheep in wolf's clothing. But Jesus found me. And changed me. And changed how I look at the flock. Especially those who are different or make me uncomfortable. Love builds bridges where fear cannot cross. But it is also true that sometimes the most loving thing we can do is walk away.
Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth. On those occasions I "fail" I leave the matter in the hands of the One who died for their sin, who loves this one far more than me, and who has a purpose and a plan for their life. I don't always have the answer. He is the answer.
And sometimes, sometimes, I find myself alone. As others debate, argue in highly religious fashion I am uncomfortable. This "yoke" does not fit me. But it is not my yoke but theirs. Who am I to say they are wrong because they learn, grow in a fashion that would make me grow. Apples, rice, and watermelons all grow differently. What works for one would kill another. So I need to be careful to not criticize another because they do not thrive in an enviroment like mine. Before I comment on what clothing my brother is wearing it might be a good idea to check the mirror.
.....peace..... |
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| April 03, 2008 |
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Wow, nicely put apureheart.I really needed your analogy on the fruit, had not looked at it that way before, even though at times my fruit may look not too good, but is in fact maturing. I have been the one by itself alot. It has been a growing time for me, and a learning period. I on the other hand see sin as sin, but I do like your insight. |
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| April 04, 2008 |
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| wonderful post!! Mike, alwasy gets me thinking...I just read all the comments too...Love the insight of others...I went to comment on this post the other day but my computer froz..it needs to be repaired----I was at moms yesterday and we watched a movie called..A Man who knew to much.....and like what you spoke about here, was what was going on int he story...A minister who came off in a sheep skin acting out like a wolf. ..I told me mom of your post and it got me to thinking, how I too can be like a sheep and then forgtet Gods word and come off like that of a wolf..and seeing how that makes me feel inside...I ask god once again to fogive me and have Him lead me again. Awesome post and thanks to all who added thoer thoughts!!! |
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| April 04, 2008 |
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Mike,
I've come to a decison.... it's time to publish! What's taking you so long....lol
I just love your blogs.
Pastor Aminata |
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| April 04, 2008 |
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Hey Mike, great blog. I think I will add my amen to it.
apureheart you have a great take there as well, I love the twist on the 1-99. |
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| April 04, 2008 |
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| Amen! Great Blog Mike. I have to agree with Pastor Aminata up there.....I just love your Blogs! |
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| April 04, 2008 |
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| Your blogs? Thank you for things that make me ponder and search myself and the world. |
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| April 05, 2008 |
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Thank you for the nice comments, you are such grace-ee-ous (gracious) friends!! I deeply appreciate you with all my heart!
Gordon, you truly have a way with words....I'm with Gary, nicely put! Liked the analogy with the maturing fruit, and the 99-1.
I've lifted you all up in prayer today, that we would all be adorable, lovely sheep!!! (no wolf suits, please!) |
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| April 06, 2008 |
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| I agree with her too...its time to publish! |
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| April 06, 2008 |
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We need to be careful not to be watered down though. If we worry too much about hurting someones feelings, or not making sure everyone feels good about themselves, we then become luke warm, sitting on the fence, and making sure to be politically correct. The fruits are always the key! If the fruits lead to repentance and righteousness, even if it divides or steps on someones toes, then you have encountered a sheep,
But if the fruits lead to wishy-washy, luke warm, belief, then the sheep is a wolf.
Just because your feelings got hurt, or you were made uncomfortable does not make a sheep in wolves clothes, because even Christ stomped on toes! Notice I did not say stepped on toes, but rather stomped! He will use strong words and actions to over-come strong delusions. Too many times the fellowship wants to have their ears tickled, to make them feel good about themselves. And if someones feeling get hurt, then we all here the cry of wolf! |
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| April 13, 2008 |
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| I think that God , Jesus and the Holy spirit admire wolves , who defend God , Jesus and the holy spirit . If you are willing to die for your savior , you are a true wolf for God . |
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| April 13, 2008 |
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| I wolf does not have to be all the negatives listed above . A wolf can also be an all out defender of the word . I wish we had more wolf like Christian leaders in America , who were willing to speak out against new , New Age cults . I wish there were wolves who would challenge the words of American leaders , when these leaders call Jesus a liar . To often our so called American Christian leaders stay silent , because they do not want to effect the up coming sales of their new books . Where are the Christian wolves , who will walk the talk for Jesus instead of talking the walk . |
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| April 13, 2008 |
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| Interesting comments, world love. (Thanks!) It seems like you might be going for a different metaphor, as wolves typically frighten and prey upon sheep (God's people). I understand your basic point though. Do I fully agree? Hmmm, I guess God calls a few to stand boldly against the world and its influence on the Church. But rule of conduct when it comes to the Church's interactions with the world, and even each other, generally seems to be more along the lines of meekness rather than forcefulness. I have Philippians 2 going through my mind. |
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| April 13, 2008 |
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| I had a long discussion with Michael, (not the Arch angel..lol) and the Lord revealed to me, what my calling is, and why I speak the way I do, you can read my earlier entries to see what I mean, I have always felt a pull from the Lord for the pew sitters, for those just playing church, those that think they are heaven bound because they got up and shock some pastors hand, so I apologize for my language to my brothers and sisters that are truly walking along His strait path, and hope you can understand where my focus is. |
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| April 13, 2008 |
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Gary, thanks! An admirable post!
I also share your burden for those who sit in the pews (and doing little else). These folks may either be deceived, thinking they're conscientiously following Jesus but with misconceptions, or rebelliously only giving to God what they choose to give, refusing to fully commit to discipleship. I often pour out my heart to them when I get the chance, expressing the spiritual benefits of total surrender! |
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| April 13, 2008 |
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| I know I will be going up against a vast wall of religion in these, but with prayer and fasting, prayerfully, will be able to crack through a few of these walls. |
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| April 14, 2008 |
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| Awesome! Absolutely what I needed to hear tonight! |
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| April 14, 2008 |
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| Tania -- it pleases me so much to know the Lord's used my time on here for his purposes, thanks for sharing that! |
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| April 24, 2008 |
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| April 24, 2008 |
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| ps... THANKS for the visual, Gary! |
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| April 24, 2008 |
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| April 24, 2008 |
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Man, tonight I encountered a sheep just like that one, here on MyChurch....very upsetting!
(this would be the sheep in wolf's clothing, as opposed to the wolf in sheep's clothing above - kinda confused myself!) |
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| April 24, 2008 |
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| sorry 'bout that.... I came across these, and thought they were interesting pics and then thought about your blog Mike n Laura! |
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| April 24, 2008 |
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| Hey man, no apologies necessary. Like I said, great visuals! lol |
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| April 25, 2008 |
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Wolves most always work in packs. They group in agreement. The metaphor of a wolf in sheep's clothing, Spiritually speaking is not a reference to a human being who is decieved(that would be the sheep). It is a reference to an invisible evil spirit who is lurking behind the image of a good person. In our local level of thoughts, it would be an evil non human spirit, that knows it will need your acceptance to gain your trust to get closer. Wolves in sheep clothing are almost always accepted by the common people in a herd. Wolves do not reveal themselves by acting like a wolf as your post imply. Evil spirits are very aware of what you accept as a good image to infiltrate the herd.
The voice of the wolf is humble and very clever. He is very aware of his mission. It is his intentions to move the herd away from Shepard and separate them by fear. Once they react to the fear, the wolves laying in wait will work in agreement to gain the control of the mind to the doctrine of their intent.
Beware, wolves are NOT human, and have been around longer than you have and have a keen eye on the bigger picture. Wolves are extremely smart, and can spin the word game like no other.
Peace...... |
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| April 25, 2008 |
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kw, your post is oddly relevant to the day I've had....
Actually the point I was making in the blog is that occasionally a sheep (a Christian) takes on the outward characteristics of a wolf....but I imagine you knew that, but were led to share from the other perspective, that of the wolf in sheep's clothing. Thanks for the comment. |
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| April 26, 2008 |
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Mike/laura;
Your post are really a blessing to the body. I read them often.
Kw. |
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| June 30, 2008 |
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| Today I re-read the good fruit/bad fruit portion of this blog, and man does the bad fruit side describe to a tee someone I encountered, and unfortunately tangled with, AFTER I wrote this!!!! Funny thing is, I knew there were people out there like this and yet I still got bent out of shape upon meeting one!! Lord help me! |
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