Meanies

Chapter Twenty-FiveBeware of Dogs Philippians 3:2

In my ministerial rookie years, Gayle (my wife) and I chaplined out of the YMCA. We were in our early twenties and as naive as we were enthusiastic. Several con-men attached themselves to our little congregation and took full advantage of everyone's goodwill. After taking all they could, they left town; one left just ahead of the fraud investigators from the police department. It was an eye opener for two green ministers.
We learned over the years how to be on guard, which is the job of a shepherd, without becoming cynical. We are instructed to "put on the armor of God" not as a fashion statement but as a necessity in a cruel world. The wisdom of God guards our hearts, for out of them are the issues of life. Needlessly exposing ourselves to evil, can wound the love required to help those in need.