Beware…of Religious People
May 12th, 2008 by ljkim
It might surprise you to know that Jesus actually taught his disciples to be wary of “religious people”: People who walk around in sheep’s clothing but who are actually wolves (I’ll come back to that metaphor in a moment). But how come? Because he understood that an open loving community that accepts everyone as sinners-in-need of grace would be prime targets for certain types… Because grace and mercy is not the same thing as gullibility.
Here’s the metaphor: the wolves are pretending to be sheep – but they’re not sheep… Because…sheep are there to follow the Shepherd, but wolves (in sheep’s clothing) are really there to use the other sheep… These are people who see religion as a way to get ahead in this world. To earn respect. To gain a following. To get their way with people. To promote themselves, and push forth their agenda, etc…
Anyway, so what do we do with these sinful sheep pretenders? Do what we always do! Love and show mercy and kindness (and sometimes gently teach) and offer friendship…whoever they are! And history has shown that wolves CAN become sheep (ahem, St. Paul). But Jesus is telling us to be careful not to follow someone’s lead just because they have “Christian” credentials. Instead look at their fruit – do they use people for their own pride and ego, or do they love people and serve? Do they boast about their spiritual accomplishments and sacrifice or do they build up others? Do they leave behind things like pride and confusion – or does their way of life generate peace and grace and redemption? Now it’s terribly uncool to point to someone and cry “wolf” – don’t do that. Instead, when Jesus said “beware” he was really saying “think for yourselves!” Don’t be a sucker for religiosity. Don’t let the wolves stir up trouble in your soul, or your fellowship.
Unless people are on guard about this, any church (or flock or corporation or country, etc…) will can eventually become overrun with wolves…they want the positions of power more than regular folk do. They will offer more and sacrifice more for these positions than sheep do (wolves have an intensity that’s impressive for sheep, but it’s for no good). At the same time – if you’re not a believer, please, PLEASE, do not judge Jesus or the church on the basis of the wolves…
Related posts: