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We have wolves in our own hearts!
(John MacDuff, "The
Shepherd and His Flock")
"Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it."
John 10:12
The wolf coming and scattering the sheep, is a
pertinent symbol of the fierce temptations with
which His people in every age might expect to
be assailed. Who can attempt to describe these
wolf-like temptations?
Apart from those more peculiar to the world around
us; the countless absorbing influences and interests
of sense and time; a man's worst foes are too
often those in his own bosom. We have wolves
in our own hearts, lurking insidiously;
fettered
vices, longing to burst their bands, and go forth
on missions of death and ruin.
There are the wolves of temper . . .
envy,
jealousy,
hatred,
malice,
each hidden in his den; crouching in his lair; ready
to make the spring when temptation offers.
Covetousness, the wolf with the golden fleece, how
it has strewed earth's highway with the bones of men!
Even our daily business and avocations may become
to us a dangerous foe. Our very prosperity may turn
into a ravening wolf.
Wherever we look, the world is bristling with
temptations. Wolves lurk on every side, "The lust
of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride
of life," each the leader of a hungry pack waiting
for their prey!
Let these wolf temptations drive you closer to the Shepherd.
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