Not long ago, I was walking past some cages and pens where wolves are kept. This was in a Zoological garden, or “Zoo”, as you children call it.
The wolves had such pretty faces, and reminded me so much of a dear pet dog that I used to have, that I felt like going up close and patting them.
But what do you think would have happened if I had done so? Probably my hand would have been bitten off, and I might have been torn to pieces.
Wolves are often no larger than a big dog. Yet they are not afraid to attack much larger animals, such as cows and deer and often men.
So, you see they are really quite dangerous.
Does this remind you of Satan and the worldly attractions that he puts before you? God’s Word says, “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:1414And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14). And his prophets “come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:1515Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15).
He puts before you good-looking and attractive things that draw your thoughts and your hearts away from the Lord Jesus. These things look harmless, but Satan gradually gets you in his clutches and carries you away to destruction.
To listen to Satan and to yield to his temptations, is just as dangerous as to go close to a beautiful animal that is longing to tear you to pieces.
If you turn away from these worldly temptations, you may think you are missing a lot of harmless pleasure. But anything, dear reader, that takes your thoughts away from Jesus and His love, is not harmless, but very harmful.
Would you not rather do as Moses did? “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Hebrews 11:2525Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (Hebrews 11:25).
None of us can stay here more than a few short years. The pleasures and treasures of earth we must soon leave behind.
How much better to be occupied with Christ, —learning of Him and serving Him, and thus laying up treasure in heaven, —treasure that you will enjoy not for a short time only, but throughout the endless years of eternity.
ML 05/31/1931