Feed the Right Wolf

There’s an old story from American folk-lore of a Cherokee elder speaking with his grandson.

“Grandson,” the wise elder says to the young lad, “Let me tell you about a battle that goes on inside everyone. It is the battle between two wolves”

As the young impressionable boy looks up his grandfather continues: “One of the wolves inside us all is called ‘Evil’.  This wolf is anger, it is hatred, it is discord and jealousy, It is rage and envy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, resentment, lies, lusts, and superiority.

“The other wolf that is inside us” continued the Grandfather “is called ‘Good’. This wolf is hope, it is serenity, it’s humility, joy, contentment. It’s love, peace, kindness, gentleness, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The Cherokee elder was then silent, and the grandson thought about these words for a moment. After a few minutes the young boy looked up and asked: “Grandfather, in the end which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee elder replied simply, “My son, the wolf you feed is the one that wins.”

The truth of this often told tale are echoed in the Bible. The ancient words of Scripture speak also of a battle between good and bad. It’s a battle we see in our wider world, and it’s a battle we see in our own souls.

Christ in His battle with Satan in the wilderness gained victory by reminding the Devil of godly values found in scripture (Matt 4:1-11). Through Christ’s sacrifice and example you and I can also have the same victory over Evil that our Saviour had.

In the letter to the Philippians the Apostle Paul gives similar counsel to the Cherokee elder: “Whatever is true and noble”, Paul says, “Whatever is lovely and admirable, if anything is excellent and worthy of praise – allow you mind to consider only these things. And the God of peace will be with you always.” (Philippians 4:8)

In ‘the battle of the two wolves’ – the battle between Good and Evil – going on in your own heart and mind make sure you’re feeding daily the one based on the truth of Jesus Christ.