Wise as Serpents, Gentle as Doves?

This month we’ve been looking at the cultural wars raging around us. It’s startling and frightening to watch the portrayal of evil and violence on the nightly news. Whether drive-by shootings, thievery without consequence, or the angry screams of the mob, we wonder how to respond to this disruptive world.

While spending time with God recently, He reminded me of verses I have not considered in a long time. These are the instructions He gave His disciples when facing the resistance of a hostile culture. I believe they apply to us as well.

“Whatever city or village you enter, ask who in it is worthy [who welcomes you and your message], and stay at his house until you leave [that city]. As you go into the house, give it your greeting [that is, ‘Peace be to this house’]. If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.

“Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust [of it] off your feet. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected the Messiah’s messenger].

“Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda].”
(Matthew 10:11-16)

Our focus remains (as we deal with all those God has appointed for our paths to cross), a fervent desire to share the truth of God’s Word and Good News of Jesus Christ, His Son.

We need to be discerning and wise, realizing there will be those, no matter how kindly we share the message, who will refuse the truth. We do not need to argue, become angry, or fight to make our point heard and understood. Instead, as gentle as doves, we need to pray for them, trusting God that His Word will be effective in His time and way.

We have the privilege of living at this moment, in this generation, for this time to share the only truth that ensures eternal life…Jesus’ perfect life, death and resurrection for all who believe.

When love seems in such short supply in our world today, may God go before us and give us His love for the lost. As the song says, “All we need is love”…Jesus’ love.