Shrewd as Snakes, Innocent as Doves

Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matthew 10:16

Jesus began his relationship with his disciples by saying, “Come, follow me.” Then in Matthew 10, Jesus tells them to go. First, they followed him to listen, learn, and believe. Now they would go out to engage with the world.

But it was a dangerous world. Jesus warned them that they would face opposition, persecution, and even arrest. So he gave them instructions. Be like snakes and doves, at the same time!

Snakes? Jesus wasn't telling his disciples to be sneaky or deceitful like the serpent in the garden. He wanted them to be . . . . shrewd, to understand the world around them and respond with wisdom. They needed to know both the truth of God's kingdom and the challenges of sharing that truth in a hostile world. They would be wise like the one who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24), and also knew that there would be storms.

But wisdom without innocence can become manipulation. That's why Jesus also said to be like doves, peaceful, gentle, and pure in their motives.

Jesus himself was the perfect example. He boldly proclaimed the truth, yet never resorted to deception or worldly force. He knew the hostility he would encounter, yet willingly entered that hostile world to bring salvation. His innocent suffering and death brought forgiveness for our failures to live with wisdom and innocence.

What about us? Do you see a world hostile to your beliefs? Is it tempting to compromise the truth to avoid conflict? Or use unchristian methods to accomplish even good goals? Jesus sends us into the world, too. And although the world can be frightening, we don’t need to be afraid. He promises his Spirit's help as we witness to him.

Be savvy. Know the world. Know God's Word even better. Engage others with courage, wisdom, and innocence, trusting your Savior to work through you. Be shrewd as snakes. Innocent as doves. And always faithful to Christ.