How can Christians ensure they don't act like "wolves tearing prey"? Key Verse Ezekiel 22:27 — “Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood and destroying lives to make unjust gain.” What Makes a “Wolf”? • Preys on the vulnerable for personal advantage • Uses position or power to “tear” rather than serve • Sheds blood—any form of harm, whether verbal, relational, financial, or physical • Motivated by “unjust gain,” not godly love Why the Warning Matters • Jesus foretold, “savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock” (Acts 20:29). • False prophets “inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). • A wolfish spirit undermines Christ’s witness, devours trust, and invites God’s judgment (Ezekiel 34:10). Guardrails for the Heart 1. Daily submission to the Chief Shepherd – John 10:11 — “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” – Ask, “Am I laying down my life, or using others to build mine up?” 2. Spirit-filled self-examination – Psalm 139:23–24; let God spotlight predatory motives early. 3. Quick repentance when selfishness surfaces – 1 John 1:9 promises cleansing the moment we agree with God. Practical Habits That Starve the Wolf • Choose service over self-interest – Philippians 2:4 — “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” • Speak words that heal, not wound – Ephesians 4:29 — “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up…” • Handle resources with open hands – Acts 20:35 — “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” • Stay accountable in authentic community – Galatians 6:2 — “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • Practice gentleness and restraint – Matthew 10:16 — “Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” • Keep love as the non-negotiable motive – 1 Corinthians 16:14 — “Let all that you do be done in love.” Red Flags to Watch For • Justifying harshness as “necessary” • Enjoying leverage over weaker people • Measuring success by personal gain alone • Growing annoyance with accountability or correction • Diminishing empathy toward those who suffer loss from your choices Re-Centering When You Slip 1. Confess specifically—name the person or group you have “torn.” 2. Make restitution wherever possible (Luke 19:8). 3. Invite mature believers to monitor your blind spots. 4. Re-immerse yourself in the Gospels; let Christ’s sacrificial pattern rewrite your instincts. Living the Alternative: A Shepherd’s Posture • Guide, don’t grab • Protect, don’t profit • Heal, don’t harm • Sacrifice, don’t steal Encouragement for the Road “The Lord is my shepherd; I will lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1) — Stay close to Him, and there’s no room for a wolf to grow within you. |
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