TWO WOLVES    by Carl McMurray

 

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two “wolves” inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, and faith.” 

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.” 

Author unknown

 

The above tale was submitted for the bulletin by someone who perceived the truth behind the story and thought the setting of those truths might help it to stick in someone’s mind. Is it a true story? I seriously doubt it, but that doesn’t change the truths presented. Basically we are invited to go in two directions in this life. To follow selfish desires carried out in the deeds of the flesh as Paul calls them in Galatians 5:17-22, or, to give one’s self over to a higher and nobler calling carried out by trusting the direction revealed by God’s Spirit described Galatians 5:22-25.

 

We are not committed to either course by genetics, there being found no evidence of a “good” gene or an “evil” one in the DNA chain. Neither are we committed to either course by environmental factors like poverty, poor parenting, or our parents choice of political parties as evidenced by those who have risen above such factors to success. Instead, like a wolf in the story above, we each have within us the capacity to go either way. That is the choice given to us by our Creator. One thing to keep in mind however, is that we cannot go both ways. We may wrestle with the decision and our conscience for awhile, but eventually one choice will absolutely kill the other. Selfishness will eventually destroy spirituality, or godliness will make worldly behavior repulsive to us.

 

Whether seen in the context of a Cherokee grandfather or as the word of God delivered by His Spirit and an apostle, truth is truth. The choice must, and will, be made. Which part of YOUR life are you feeding? Which one grows stronger in you day by day? Make your choice wisely. You will have an eternity to re-consider.