Living on a farm we always had lots of animals, but my best pal was always the family dog. I was about five years old when my Dad had to put down the family dog. It was a horrible day.

One morning right after breakfast, my Pappy showed up with his shotgun. My Dad got up from the breakfast table and went and got his shotgun. It wasn’t hunting season so I asked what was going on. They were going to shoot our dog and my Pappy’s dog. At least one of them had rabies.

There was crying and wailing and pleading but to no avail. Out the door they went. I thought my heart would burst. So I took myself and my broken heart to my room.

I understand the need to eliminate the danger of rabies spreading to other animals. I understand the need to protect our family. It was just that the last time I had seen this pup, he had not appeared to be sick. All I knew was my dear companion. The one who followed me everywhere and was a great protector. Now my Dad and my Pappy said he was dangerous. When you are five…it’s hard to process.

Matthew 7:15-16 says, “Beware of the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?”

I’ve thought about that day so many times over my lifetime. And read this scripture. Sometimes, a person appears to be something they are not. We may have known them for a while…been in Bible study together …then begin to see actions that do not line up with their profession of faith.

Please don’t misunderstand. We all sin and fail. However the Word is clear…we will know them by their fruit. This is not judgment. It is simply taking a life and holding it up to God’s Word and seeing that it does not line up.

Do we judge? Do we condemn? No.That job belongs to our Maker.

However, a good shepherd does not allow a wolf to remain with the sheep. Otherwise, they would all be destroyed. We cannot allow wolves to remain with the flock. They come in clothed with garments that look Christian. They speak “Christian”. But time shows they are not. Like my dog, they are dangerous.

I don’t see devils behind every bush. I’m not looking for conspiracies. I don’t want to be suspicious of people. But we are to be wise and discerning. We need to love and protect one another.

These are trying and dangerous times. Let’s be wise. Let’s be strong. Let’s protect our faith family.