What Can We Learn From Wolf Collars
Have you ever heard of a wolf collar? Me neither until a few weeks ago. Thes collars are said to be worn by dogs who are responsible for guarding livestock like sheep, cattle, etc. These collars are much like other dog collars except for they have long metal spikes which help to protect the most vulnerable parts of a guard dog's body, the neck and throat. For centuries these collars have been employed in various European nations to give the guard dogs a fighting chance against the wolves that seek to harm them and the flock which they guard.
If there were such a tool available for Christians who guard their flock, their families, and friends, I am sure we would want to purchase it immediately. We would never go out into the fields of life without it. We would also be sure to know how it worked and make sure we were wearing it correctly.
God’s Word is Valuable!
Why not focus on the practicality of valuing God’s Word above all. When we put God’s Word in its proper place, we recognize that it is how God speaks to men in this day and age. Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us this fact, “God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.” When we put God’s Word first, we recognize its value above all else. Peter once said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (cf. John 6:68). The Word of God is dependable for it is God who is the shield to all who seek His protection. The psalmist explains, “As for God, his way is perfect:The word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him” (Psalm 18:30). To recognize the value of God’s Word is to value it more than even the riches of this world. Riches can do much good and are necessary to buy many good things on this earth; however, God’s Word holds value both now on this earth and for eternity. It is written, The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver (Psalm 119:72). If we recognize the value it will become something that we seek continually.
If you have a job, you recognize that at the end of the day, no matter how much you love your work, you have bills to pay. That pay allows you to have some financial security so you get dressed and go to work. You need that security in times of war, inflation, and instability. God’s Word gives you security from the attacks of the lies of the devil and his servants (wolves) because of its immense value. When you seek it more than a paycheck, you are able to provide the defense for your life. I imagine the shepherds who have flocks that go out into the field would spend whatever it took to protect their guard dogs, who, in turn, alert the shepherd when a wolf is about.
Do Not Leave Home Without It
Additionally, the Word of God is of great value and makes it necessary for us to carry it with us wherever we may go. What good is the Word of God if we simply leave it setting on the coffee table collecting dust? Am I suggesting that you should be carrying an actual physical copy of the Bible with you? Yes, but why? Can you imagine if we always had it with us in our cars, backpacks, or office? Would it be wrong to be prepared with a defense when someone has a question? A friend, an enemy, a coworker, a fellow student, patron, patient, etc. could all benefit when we are prepared to defend the faith.
Imagine if someone attacked the divinity of Christ, the literal six day creation, or the character of God. Would you be able to provide a defense of those or would a wolf be able to get at your most vulnerable parts? We need not worry, God has provided all that we need (cf. 2 Peter 1:3). We must be ready and part of being ready is to grasp and put on the Word of God. It is written again, “Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:10-12). In the 1970’s American Express began to use the slogan “Don’t leave home without it” to encourage people to utilize their credit cards while out of the house for incidentals. Imagine if Christians utilized this slogan but with God’s word? I suppose you could use your phone that you carry with you everywhere. Just use your Bible wherever you are and you will be prepared for whatever comes your way.
Finally, Be Familiar with God’s Word.
How can we be able to use what we have acquired and carried if we are only vaguely familiar with it? The Psalmist also reminds us how we should know the Word of God, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). I imagine that the guard dog has to be familiar with the wolf collar and what it does. I suppose he has to learn the feel of it. He has to compensate for the weight of it. He also might learn the value if he is attacked by a wolf and it works.
The New Testament Christian will have to learn the feel of God’s Word. There may be things that are difficult to understand or even to accept at first, but when we humble ourselves before God we will allow His Word to shape our hearts into a people called after His Name. We will have to learn also how our lives must necessarily change because of the weight of God’s Word over our own worldly wisdom. We also will be glad as we grow and live when we recognize how God’s glorious Word has protected us repeatedly.
Grace and Peace,
