Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Philippians 3:2
Are there dogs in our Assemblies? Paul’s warning about dogs indicates that there are either dogs in our Assemblies or there are dogs that are a threat to our assemblies. Either way, we need to beware of them. Of course, Paul is not referring to canine creatures but to people who display the characteristics of dogs, specifically the characteristics of wild dogs. Let us look at some of those characteristics, so we can recognize and avoid such people.
The most important aspect of a wild dog is that it has no master or owner. It is like those people described in Judges 21:25 who did that which was right in his own eyes. A dog without a master is a dog without any training, without any restraint, without any control over bad behaviour. How very sad for our Assemblies if people like that are admitted to the fellowship. The first and foremost characteristic of those in fellowship should be subjection to the lordship of Christ. And a primary display of that subjection will be a subjection to the leadership of the Assembly oversight. Those who do not know the Scriptures or do not care what they say are dogs.
Wild dogs are also noted for their lack of a permanent home. Wild dogs go where they please and stay where they please, and so do some Christians – or those who say they are Christians – who take no allegiance to any particular company of believers, failing to appreciate the value of the place where the Lord Jesus Christ has been pleased to place His name. They stand in sharp contrast to the faithful saints whose devotion to their Lord is such that no other place than where He is has any attraction whatsoever.
A wild dog has no pedigree. A wild dog may have one or two traits of a specific breed of dog, or it may have no such recognizable traits. People who are like wild dogs will also have few if any discernable affiliations with any of the doctrines of Scripture. What the Word of God says will make little difference to them. They are unlike the true saints who love the instruction of the Word of God and allow its truths to be displayed in their lives.
Wild dogs are almost always bad tempered. Fighting and biting and snarling their nasty way through life, they remind us of some people who are never able to get along with others. Their presence in an Assembly is always disruptive and destructive.
Wild dogs will also feed on garbage and carrion and other vile things that are destructive to their health. People who act like wild dogs do the same, snacking and feasting on the immorality and dishonesty and the corrupt ways of the world. These people have nothing good to offer an Assembly.
Another disgusting characteristic of wild dogs is their smell. These creatures romp and roll in the vilest of filth and are not fit for polite company. So are people who wallow in the filth of the world and allow it to taint their characters. In contrast, true saints will always have the savour of Christ.
Beware of dogs. Without are dogs. -Jim MacIntosh