I am working on a new speaking topic titled Queen For More Than a Day...Respect, Dignity, and Confidence, Things I Wish I Knew Then, That I Know Now. I realize it's a mouthful for a title, but I felt each part was important and conveys what the topic is really about.
Part of the topic delves into the concept that we all tend to be affected by, at some point in our life, the concept that we are lulled in by wolves in sheep clothing. We choose to ignore red flags. Especially when it involves something that gives us pleasure or gives us a (false) sense everything is "OK", even if only for a moment.
Wolves can come in the form of people. As abusers or manipulators, these wolves are very good at keeping the sheep costume on, just long enough, until they have you where they want you. Wolves can also come in the form of alcohol or drugs. I need a drink. Just one drink, then it turns into two or three. Then it becomes daily. With drugs it can be the thought that you can stop whenever you want to (your wolf keeps telling you, you really don't want to though).
Wolves can come in the form of pornography. If you are doing anything in secret, you can usually bet it is a sin issue. Men as well as women deal with this. I think more so today than ever before, because we have become so desensitized to everything through television, music, magazines, and even billboards. Sometimes all it takes is one look. One stroke of the key on your computer and you have entered into a wolves den.
Wolves can also come in the form of promiscuity. I once heard Liz Curtis Higgs call this....fornicating. Which means sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons. Plain and simple. I am certainly not casting any stones on this wolf, because if you've read my book, you know I am a redeemed fornicator. But, while I am not casting stones, I am going to boldly say, if you are having sex outside of the confines of marriage, you are a fornicator and God can not bless a relationship that is based on your needs and wants, more than putting Him first.
There is also a wolf that is full of busyness...I will spend quality time with my spouse or child later, I have a lot to do right now. I will pray later. My schedule is so full right now, I can't possibly fit in time to read my Bible. I am so busy, I don't have time to exercise or eat right.
Have you ever been visited by the wolf in sheep's clothing that represents the "white" lie? I couldn't possibly tell the whole truth because if I did..... Or what about the wolf of gossip. Did you hear about so and so, well you didn't hear this from me, but.
What about about the wolf of "take no responsibility". I only did what I did because you did what you did. I am sorry, BUT. I am justified in my (sin) issue and its none of your business.
There are more wolves walking around in sheep's clothing than I can write about.
Something to remember about wolves is they are carnivores and they usually travel in packs. If you get a visit from one wolf you can be sure that another one is just around the corner waiting to trick you, waiting to tempt you, waiting to devour you.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly.
If I have touched a nerve, have no worries because you are not alone. I am also feeling conviction in certain areas.
I am grateful we are not expected to be perfect and that God allows us grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Even when we willingly choose a wolf in sheep's clothing. The point is to see it, acknowledge it, and repent. Sometimes we need accountability, so reach out and ask for it. You can not go back and undo the damage a wolf has done, but you can move forward and away from them. Its your choice.
