Sheep, Goats, and Wolves
“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:32)
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
The Lord will one day separate between the sheep and the goats. He will also judge the wolves. Each of us must ask ourselves the question: Am I a sheep, goat, or wolf? Only the Lord’s evaluation will matter one day. In the mean time, we can test ourselves where we stand. Let us consider a few more comparisons between sheep, goats, and wolves:
- Sheep seek the shepherd readily, goats seek the shepherd as a last resort, and wolves never seek the shepherd.
- Sheep allow love to cover a multitude of sins, goats allow gossip to uncover a multitude of sins, and wolves lead others into a multitude of sins.
- Sheep resist sin, goats yield to sin, and wolves justify their sin.
- Sheep crucify their flesh, goats pacify their flesh, and wolves feed on flesh.
- Sheep develop character, goats follow charisma, and wolves depend upon charisma to override character.
- Sheep serve out of love, goats serve out of obligation, and wolves serve for personal gain.
- Sheep seek reconciliation, goats avoid reconciliation, and wolves refuse reconciliation.
- Sheep are humble, goats are selfish, and wolves are proud.
- Sheep love all, goats love those who love them, and wolves love themselves.
