Wolves and Sheep

 

I found this picture a while ago, and it really struck me. I think it is so striking because when you read about a wolf in sheep's clothing you think you would be able to quickly tell that it is a wolf. I mean, it's so obvious! But, in this picture, although you can still tell it is a wolf it blends in. Reading my scriptures today, I was in 3 Nephi chapter 14 where it tells us to beware of false prophets who are wolves in sheep's clothing. It then goes on to talk about "by their fruits ye shall know them" and how some people will go up to Christ at the second coming saying they had done all of these things in His name, but He will turn to them and say He never knew them. It ends the chapter with the parable of the wise man and the foolish man. So many lessons in such a short block of scriptures, and yet, for the first time in my life, I feel like they all connect. 

Elder Joseph B Wirthlin once said, ,"Some people are weak in their faith and testimonies but are not even aware of how precarious their situation is. Many of them likely would be offended at the suggestion. They raise their right hand to sustain Church leaders and then murmur and complain when a decision that does not square with their way of thinking. They claim to be obedient to God's commandments but do not feel at all uncomfortable about purchasing food at the store on Sunday and then asking the Lord to bless it..." 

Are these people with weak faith and testimonies (like the man who built his house upon the sand) not wolves in sheep's clothing? Are they not going through the motions of fitting in but not inwardly accepting their Savior and His teachings? By their actions we know they are not sheep. But... they kind of look like sheep. 

When you order a coffee or go shopping on Sunday, is that not a wolf in sheep's clothing? People are watching us. I can't tell you how many times coworkers have asked me about my religion, how many time kids I babysat asked me some gospel questions, and how many times people I went to school with commented on my standards. I guess it is up to Heavenly Father to judge, but I think this week's Come Follow Me lesson is a good reminder to take a good look at ourselves. As we approach General Conference may we each take the time to ponder how to become more like His SHEEP (building our testimonies, strengthening our faith, aligning our actions to His teachings, etc.) rather than simply wolves in sheep's clothing because I don't know about you, but I would much rather Him open His arms to welcome me to my heavenly home than Him look at me and respond, "I never knew you."