There is a long history of using wolves to signify the threats we face. In this book, I have chosen to continue the practice. The sin-broken world, our secular nation, and even the neighborhoods where we live contain many entities with harmful designs and plans for our kids. Most of these wolves consider themselves good-intentioned, but by focusing on outcomes we can untangle intentions from results. They don’t appear to be dangerous to your children, but they are. We must learn to recognize negative influencers and messages, so we can protect our young ones and, as they grow in age and understanding, inoculate them. Throughout this chapter, I will describe some of the cultural wolves I believe you should be on guard against.
If we do nothing, the world will exert its seductive and destructive influence throughout our kids’ foundational years. Then, by the time our kids have grown, the indoctrination will have permeated their souls affecting their thoughts, words, actions, values, priorities, habits, and goals. Like wolves, our adversaries are persistent. They are coordinated and ferocious. They are tireless and resilient. They are dangerous. They are sniffing around our houses for their next kill. Our kids require protection while we prepare them to be IN the world, but not OF the world.
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:14-16 NIV
The wolf pack is always hungry. This verse makes it clear who we are opposing when we protect our kids from the world’s influence, the evil one. Elsewhere the devil is described similarly. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Imagine an ancient family living in a cave. The wolves are howling outside, desperate for an easy meal. Every night, the father builds a fire in the mouth of the cave to keep the destructive canines at bay. When they grow desperate and try to sneak past the flames, he must step into the gap with a sharp stick and drive them away. The babies in the back of the cave are counting on him. He must not fail. They are the future. They are precious. So he stands guard while the babies sleep, making plans for their protection and training. Someday, they will be strong enough to hold back the wolves. He will teach them what they need to know. But tonight, amid the howls, he stokes the fire and stands in the gap. No matter the cost.
