Wolves

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:6)

An email from Tim Watson, entitled “Wolves,” contained the following: “An old Cherokee was telling his grandson about a fight that was going on inside himself. He said, ‘It is between wolves. One is evil: Anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good: Joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.’ The grandson thought about it for a moment and then asked his grandfather, ‘Which wolf wins?’ The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one I feed.’”

Many years ago, a book was written by the Chinese evangelist, Watchman Nee.  The book was an exposition of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, and it contained the concept that those who are in Christ have two natures, called the “old man” (Romans 6:6) and the “new man.” This “new man” is suggested in Romans 6:4 (“we also should walk in newness of life”), but is also expressly seen in Colossians 3:10 – “Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

This explains a great deal.  How is it, many have wondered, that we are a “new creation” as expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:17 - “old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new,” and yet, so many in the church are subject to bickering, backbiting, and gossip; not unlike those who don’t know the Lord?

The answer, of course, is found in the Holy Spirit’s observation, articulated through the Apostle Paul, that the “old man” still lives in us, even after we are made “new” in Christ Jesus.  We are of two natures, just as we were told through Paul the Apostle and Pastor Watchman Nee; which is not unlike the “Wolves” analogy of the old Cherokee.”

And which nature inside of us will be dominant is explained by the old man’s response to the question, “Which wolf wins?” His answer: “The one I feed.”

We don’t HAVE to merely be this “old man” anymore, because “our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:6).  Do you see it? – We are CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST!  When He died, you died!  You can be free from sin because you are dead!  (Dead men don’t sin).  In and through Christ Jesus, you are offered the victory over sin and death.

Life often comes up to us, saying, “I have bad news!”  We then brace ourselves, expecting the worst, and sure enough, we hear words like, “Your old man has passed on!”  That’s difficult news, but this reference is not about your earthly father or spouse.  This is regarding your earthly NATURE; the one that gets you into trouble.

Our marriages, money, families, jobs, careers, businesses, health, friends, credit rating, physical abilities, intelligence – Everything of this world is passing away!  Now, that’s a problem, but those who are “new” in Jesus Christ can look to Him for – everything!

Jesus Christ died 2000 years ago, and as stated, you and I died with him.  From God’s perspective, it is necessary for us to die, for there is nothing “good” in us.  Most people try, at least briefly, to live “good” lives, but resolutions don’t last and neither do our fine intentions.  As God expressed it through Isaiah the Prophet, “We are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

We recently took the fast-moving Catalina Express, a passenger boat, to Catalina Island, just off the coast of Southern California.  There were many helpful signs on the boat, such as “Caution, Use Hand Rails” and “Commodore Lounge – Private.”  The latter was interesting.  Many of us were in a general seating area on the second level of the ship.  The door to the Commodore Lounge was locked, but periodically, one or two people would go up to the steward who was guarding the door and show their tickets.  If the price had been paid, the door was opened.  Otherwise, they were turned away.

Admission to the Kingdom of God is like that, except that Jesus Christ has paid the price you cannot pay.  Your “old man”, no matter how “nice” you try to be, will not be admitted through that door.  You must be “new” in Him.  If you are, the steward (angel) at the gate will open it, and you will hear: “Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23).

No one wants to die alone and death is indeed a lonely place.  But remember that “our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:6)”.  Those in Christ don’t need to fear death anymore because we’re already dead!  When He died, whether or not we fully understand it, we died with Him!  We’re not alone in death for He is with us and in addition, He gives us new LIFE: “The new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:10).  Our “new man” is in the express image of Jesus Christ, and our “new man” will be allowed into the Kingdom of God.

Have you received Christ?  He died, but He is very much alive and His hand of love is upon you right now.  Tell Him you’re done with living life YOUR way; and now you want to live for Him.  He will give you this “new nature” we have been discussing.  You know about the “old nature” for you have lived with yourself all your life.  This new one is someone you would like to be, but we all lack the strength to be like that.  He can do what you cannot.  This new “nature” comes with a living Instruction Manual (the Holy Spirit) who is inside you, directing your feeble hands to the “right” controls, the right ideas, and you will find yourself actually thinking thoughts and doing works that are pleasing to God.

You will WANT to love God with everything you have, and you’ll cautiously, gradually, unexpectedly begin to love others.  This life is just a moment, but He offers you – forever!  Which “wolf” will you feed?  Will you enter the Kingdom of God?

Father, we give up our anger, sorrow and resentment, and instead, we trust in the Son of God.  Thank You for new life – in Him.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.