True Christians belong to the little flock of Jesus Christ (Luke 12:32). And in His own words, Jesus is the good shepherd of His sheep (John 10:14). The analogy of the church being a flock of sheep helps us to understand our responsibility as individual members (sheep of the church (flock).

Wolves are a frequent danger for sheep. They wait near the flock for an opportunity to catch a sheep that is at the edge of the flock – that has gotten away from the center of the flock. And who is in the center of the flock? Jesus, the good shepherd.

Based on this analogy, you might think of being separated from the flock via physical distance. But Jesus warns us about wolves who come into the flock and try to influence or deceive the sheep: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). The apostle Paul's warning in this regard is interesting: "After my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves" (Acts 20:29-30).

Paul's warning shows us that errant elders are not only ones who can be "savage wolves".

What has happened when we find ourselves on the edge of the flock? We have put distance between ourselves and the sound doctrine of Jesus Christ that is the foundation of true belief. By contrast, the first Christians "continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine" (Acts 2:42).

Let's stay close to the center of the flock! Let's not be among those who "have itching ears [and] heap up for themselves teachers" (2 Timothy 4:3).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!