WISE AND HARMLESS

Matthew 10:16

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmles as doves.

Matthew 10:16, NKJV

Wise as serpents and innocent as doves. I don't know about you, but that almost sounds like an oxymoron (words that we put together but are exact opposites) to me. You know; like "Pretty ugly." "A little big." "Act natural." "Adult children." "Altogether separate." But the difference here is that God is telling us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

He's combining the attributes. We aren't to be only wise. That can lead to pride and haughtiness. However, neither are we to be only innocent.

While innocence is definitely a needed trait in a believer, God doesn't want us to be oblivious to circumstances in our life or situations we may find ourselves in. That all being said, while so many of us emphasize and strive for the "innocent" factor in our life, when was the last time we said to ourselves, "I need to work on being wise like a serpent?" Jesus' followers will be like sheep hunted by a den of wolves.

In such circumstances, two qualities are not only essential but also commanded. Jesus' followers are to be bright, insightful, strategic, smart, clever, and wise. In other words, we won't stupidly muddle through when opposed. We do not want to bring unnecessary shame or hardship on ourselves, the cause of Christ, or Jesus' people. Second, even if we are hounded, criticized, and despised, let's make sure we are people of character, peace, and purity.

Clearly, the apostle Peter got the message, because a reading of 1 Peter teaches us how to practically live out what Jesus teaches here: purity and prudence in a hostile world in which we live as witnesses to Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Let this be a focus in your time of meditation throughout the day!!!

Father, thank You for this day and the breath of Your Word that sustains us. Lord, open the floodgates of heaven and rain down Your abundant blessings upon us and our family. Lord, give us wisdom to face those who despise Your name, Your cause, Your message, and Your people. Lord, create in us a pure heart that we might know You. Lord, use us to be a light in this dark and fallen world.

Father, we love You. Amen.