-March 9, 2023-
Good morning, happy Thursday,
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
(Matthew 10:16).
We have considered the dove that Noah sent out, the doves that were used in sacrifices, and the dove form that the Holy Spirit came in to descend on Jesus. Today, we will look at the way we as Christians should be harmless or innocent as doves.
Jesus gave His disciples instructions on what to do and how to live and serve in Matthew 10:5-26. In verse 25, He said, “It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master…” Our Savior not only preached it and taught it, He lived it. There are two essential things we need to follow: “be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.”
Wisdom and innocence are both vital to a successful Christian life and ministry. We must pursue and demonstrate both traits. We should not be gullible and believe everything we read in the newspapers or on the internet. In addition there always two sides to every story. Proverbs 18:17 says, “The first one to plead his case seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines us.” Wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding; insight is seeing things they really are; and discernment is how we make sense of it all.
Being harmless or innocent as a dove is showing kindness, compassion, and sincerity. Sheep and doves are both gentle creatures. As children of God would be innocent in the ways men and wise in the ways of men. Jesus taught us to not resist an evil person, not to retaliate against wrongdoers, and when struck on the right cheek turn the other cheek. Our Savior warned us not to fight others, but let Him fight for us.
Jesus taught us, “…Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Let love rule the day in every day. May we all be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This way more people will get saved and be encouraged to follow Jesus.
Have a blessed day following the example of Jesus. Stay safe and healthy.
Being wise and harmless in this evil world,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 