⚠️ Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing: Why Discernment Protects Your Destiny

They looked harmless
They sounded holy
But the Spirit revealed a wolf dressed like a sheep

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” — Matthew 7:15

She thought every soft voice was safe
But the wolf spoke Scripture without Spirit
She thought every gentle face carried grace
But discernment exposed deception beneath the disguise

The sheepfold isn’t always what it seems
Not every “amen” carries agreement with God
Not every “thus says the Lord” comes from His mouth

Because the enemy doesn’t always roar sometimes he imitates
He hides in appearance, but cannot hide from discernment
And the mark of the Spirit is the only covering that cannot be faked

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The Reality of Wolves

Paul warned the early church:

“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” — Acts 20:29–30

Wolves don’t always come from the outside. Sometimes, they rise up from within. They twist truth, sow division, and draw people to themselves instead of to Christ.

Their fruit is not freedom, but bondage.
Their goal is not the flock’s safety, but their own gain.

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How to Recognize a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Jesus said we would know them “by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). A wolf may wear the fleece, but its heart eventually reveals itself.

Signs of a wolf:

• Uses fear and control instead of love and truth

• Twists Scripture to excuse sin or self-promotion

• Elevates self above Christ, or personality above the Word

• Gathers followers around themselves, not pointing them to the Shepherd

• Speaks smooth words but produces division, confusion, or compromise

A sheep may stumble, but it still follows the Shepherd’s voice.
A wolf devours and always leaves damage behind.

Why Discernment Matters

The flock without discernment is vulnerable. But the sheep who knows the Shepherd’s voice will not be deceived.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27

Discernment isn’t suspicion. It’s not living paranoid. It’s staying anchored in truth, alert to the Spirit, and close to the Shepherd. When you’re near the Shepherd, no disguise can fool you for long.

💭 Reflection

What if the greatest danger isn’t the enemy’s roar, but his disguise?

Could discernment be the very shield that protects your destiny from deception?

🙏 Prayer
Father,
Sharpen my ears to recognize Your voice above every counterfeit.
Give me wisdom to test every spirit, every teaching, every word by the truth of Your Word.
Guard my heart from deception and keep me anchored in Christ.

When wolves come cloaked in sheep’s clothing, let the Spirit within me rise with clarity.
Expose lies, uproot confusion, and lead me into truth that sets me free.

Protect Your flock, Lord.
Let me be alert, not anxious.
Discerning, not distracted.
Faithful to the Good Shepherd, even when false voices surround me.

I declare today: I will not be devoured, I will be defended.
I will not be deceived, I will be delivered.
Because I belong to the Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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💬 Comment “I choose discernment” if you’re asking God to sharpen your spirit.

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Redeemed by Grace. Rooted in Faith. Living on Purpose.
Stay rooted. Stay renewed. You are trusted by God.

Redeemed and Rooted

 — S. A. Briddell