Sheep and Wolves
Was at a ministers conference a couple years ago, and a speaker named Peter Youngren brought a tremendous word for pastors, that I feel impressed to post today. He was encouraging pastors to lead and feed their flocks, and gave the following method to discern wolves vs sheep in their congregations.
He said, “Deliberately disclose some weakness or failure in your life, something that hurt you, and watch the peoples response. Sheep will immediately empathize and begin to pray for you, but wolves are different. At the first sign of blood, they attack! You will hear them gossiping, slandering, or sowing discord amongst the brethren, for they are predators that revel in death and blood!”
Found this to be true in leadership in both business and ministry. Show weakness, and discover if colleagues or clients empathize and try to work with you, or whether they immediately go for the throat, and use your weakness for their advantage.
Sheep, or wolves?
Handle them differently. The same rod and staff designed to lead sheep, can become an awesome weapon against predators.
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, reveal to me the sheep You have called me to feed and lead, and open my eyes to the wolves. Give me wisdom and courage on how to handle both of them. I ask, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus. Amen’