WOLVES IN OUR MIDST

The church of Christ has to struggle against enemies from both outside and within. Attacks from outside often bring members of the church closer together. But attacks from inside often cause painful divisions in the body of Christ.

During his last visit with church leaders in the region of Ephesus, Paul warned that there would be "savage wolves" among them who would mercilessly attack and try to destroy the church.

Who were these divisive persons Paul was talking about? They were probably influential church leaders who were bent on running the church--not according to the truth and will of God but according to their own personal agendas.

Who are the "savage wolves" in our churches today? Each of us can likely name a few. But we shouldn't be in a hurry to accuse other people of being savage wolves. Many of us can be like wolves in our own congregations. How many of us say or do things that have the capability of tearing apart our local churches?

Do our words and actions encourage unity in our local congregation, or do they cause tension and division? The time has come for us to examine our behavior and repent if we are part of those who are tearing up the body of Christ.

Prayer

Lord, help me never to become a savage wolf to fellow church members. Help us all to combat division and seek unity. Guard us against divisive ways, we pray. Amen.

Paul M’pindi