I’ve read editorial comments and watched videos about the depredation of wolves that have been introduced in certain parts of the nation. Wolves are causing millions of dollars of damage. This topic has created controversy and strong opinions on both sides of the issue. The bottom line is this – a wolf’s nature is to prey on livestock and pets no matter what people think. The same hold true in the Church where unchallenged spiritual wolves are devouring the faith of innocent sheep.

In Acts 20 one of the most beautiful farewells ever spoken came from Paul when he addressed to the Ephesian elders. His farewell was filled with a recollection of his faithful service to the Ephesians. Many times, when I have read what Paul said, it makes me emotional to read his tender and transparent words. 

“When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship” (Acts 20:36-38). After his emotional farewell, Paul boarded a ship bound for the island of Cos.

In Paul’s eloquent words of farewell was this statement, “So, guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock – his church, purchased with his own blood  – over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock” (vs. 28-30). Paul’s warning still holds true today to both to a leader’s spiritual integrity and how that integrity should be used to guard and protect God’s people.

Those who lead the Church are called to be protectors, not become spiritual wolves who will destroy those under our care. Spiritual shepherds must be on guard at all times regarding their integrity, or a shepherd can become a wolf.

As spiritual wolves are being revealed today in the Church, that revelation is an act of tough love that will remove them from positions of leadership so that further harm is not inflicted on God’s flock. This removal requires courage because those being devoured will at times assume a mindset similar to a spiritual Stockholm Syndrome where they will come to a wolf’s defense without a deeper examination, even as they continue to be devoured one bite at a time.