Whenever I see a sign that reads "Beware of Dog" posted on someone's
house, I approach with much caution or don't approach at all.
Usually, these signs are not posted to warn of a friendly, loving
animal. They are posted to warn off people and to let them know
the dog may be vicious.
This warning is not just something of modern day but dates back to
ancient Rome where dogs were often chained to a post at the entrance
of a home. The owner would have a similar sign posted.
Many people have been maimed and severely injured by vicious dogs.
It is imprudent to ignore these signs that warn us. It is much more
imprudent to ignore the scripture when it warns Christians to beware
of spiritual dogs.
The Jews called the Gentiles and pagans dogs. Muslims called Jews
dogs. This term denoted someone who was troublesome, problematic,
and of an apostate faith. The essence of the scripture is found in
Isaiah 56:10-11: "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant,
they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down,
loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have
enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look
to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."
It is the job of a guard dog to warn of approaching danger and to
sound the alarm by barking. The prophet Isaiah compares false
prophets to dumb and greedy dogs. They are not interested in the
welfare of the people but rather, in their own cause. False prophets,
as dumb dogs, do not give a clear, distinctive message of the full
gospel. Souls go astray and are led into darkness by false prophets
who fail to give the whole truth.
We must beware of the false prophets who fill the ranks of religious
society today. Many books and radio stations are labeled 'Christian,'
and people flock to hear and read what they have to communicate.
Dear children of God, BEWARE. Every time we turn the radio on or go
to the book store, we ought to see the sign that says "Beware of
Dogs."
The danger is that the false prophets will appear friendly, learned,
and attractive. Many times a large percent of what they say is true.
The danger lies in the fact that they aren't giving the whole truth.
Just a 1% error could be enough to endanger our soul. Too many are
drawn in by the 'good' part, and before they realize it, they are
believing a lie. It is sad that so many esteem the false prophets of
this world higher than the faithful, humble ministry of God. We must
lift up the standard of truth and beware of the destructiveness and
deceptiveness of false prophets. Beware of Dogs.
