The Christian Life: Wolves in Sheep Clothing, Pretending in Church

By: Denise N. Fyffe

It is time that we stop parading in the church as saints when we know that we are not. God is not deceived and a time will come again when men will be struck down in church for their audacity. We need to stop being wolves in sheep’s clothing and pretending in church.

The times have changed and we feel and act bolder. We think that we can come on a Sunday morning and sing two songs, say a prayer and leave. We think that we can be liars, cheaters, backbiters, hypocrites, and friends of the devil during the week.

We think that we are not seen, nor our actions noted. However, this is far from the truth and many will pay with blood for their lies and deceitful actions.

How can we say we are Christians, yet not act what we preach? How can we say we are children of God, yet not represent the light of our Father. How can we turn against our own brothers and sisters and wound them?

God is not mocked, neither is he weak. He is simply biding time, for everything happens in time.

God is not deceived, and the Scriptures warn us of a time when judgment will come upon those who act audaciously even within the walls of the church.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians 6:7 serve as a solemn reminder that God sees through all pretenses and is not fooled by appearances. He knows the true nature of our hearts and actions, and He will not be mocked or deceived by our hypocrisy.

Indeed, it is time for us to shed the facade of being wolves in sheep’s clothing, pretending to be righteous in the church while leading lives contrary to God’s commands.

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” – Matthew 23:27 (NIV)

Jesus, in Matthew 23, admonished the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy. He warned them of their outward display of righteousness while harboring deceit and impurity within. This serves as a wake-up call for us today to examine our hearts and ensure that our actions align with our profession of faith.

As the times change, we must not allow ourselves to become complacent or bold in our sinful ways.

“So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” – 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 10:12 reminds us that we must be vigilant in our faith, lest we become prideful and fall into sin. We must guard our hearts against hypocrisy and deceit, for God is ever watchful.

It is crucial for us to walk in the light of God’s truth, not just on Sundays, but throughout the week.

“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” – John 3:21 (NIV)

In John 3:21, Jesus speaks of living in the truth and coming into the light. As children of God, we are called to represent the light of our Heavenly Father, not just in our words but also in our actions.

Let us refrain from wounding our brothers and sisters, but instead, let our love and compassion shine forth.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” – 1 John 3:16 (NIV)

In 1 John 3:16, we are reminded of Christ’s sacrificial love, and we are called to emulate His example by loving one another selflessly.

To those who deceive and act hypocritically, let them be warned, for God’s judgment will come in due time.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

While it may seem that God delays judgment, 2 Peter 3:9 assures us that His patience stems from His desire for all to come to repentance. However, let us not mistake His patience for weakness, for in His perfect timing, justice will be served.

In conclusion, let us examine our hearts, repent of any hypocrisy, and live in the truth and light of Christ. God’s eyes are upon us, and we must strive to be genuine followers of Christ, representing His love and grace to the world around us. May we live out our faith authentically, seeking to glorify God in all that we do.

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 50 fiction and non-fiction books. She started Revealing the Christian Life Ministry to help other Christians and provide support. She is also a trainer and mentors aspiring writers toward achieving their goals.