HARMLESS AND SHREWD

SCRIPTURE Matt. 10:16 Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.

OBSERVATION This is not just a wise piece of advice for the disciples, it is worth listening to for all of us. We have all been sent out into the world. For each of us the world is a place of both danger and oppourtunity. It is dangerous because it can corrupt us or oppose us. On the other hand, it is the only arena we have to bring about the purposes of God on the earth.
So with both issues in mind, what can we do? Be shrewd as snakes: be wary and cautious. There really are forces in this world that are intent on destroying our souls and if we are not careful, they will succeed. Many Christians are no even willing to acknowledge that. Many others believe that it is true, but live as thought it's not. However, at the same time, if we are going to make a positive difference in the world, then we need to be loving, inviting and draw people to the love God has to offer. That is want it means to be as harmless as doves.

Too often we get it backward. We are harmless and powerless to stop the efforts of hell to destory us but we over- apply personal power to try to "force" people to agree with us or make an issue of their sin more than the power and wonder of salvation. It is hard but essential to live  in the right balance.

APPLICATION/CONFESSION I think I am fairly harmless. I really do try to love people outside of the faith rather than to force them to do anything. However, I need to be more shrewd--more aware of Satan's tactics and quicker to stand against them.

PRAYER Lord--teach me to live in this balance; shrewd but harmless. Wary and ready to fight the right foe but loving and inviting when I have the chance.