Read Matthew 10:16 -25

“¹⁶ “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

It’s been said that Christians can sometimes be so heavenly-minded that they are of no earthly use.

On one hand, this can lead to naivety, neglecting to take life’s dangers and challenges seriously, resulting in unnecessary suffering for everyone involved. Conversely, throughout history some Christians have felt so emboldened that they “have the truth” and “God is for us” that they sin by dethroning God and acting in the role of judge, jury and executioner in all areas of life. Knowing our capacity for both naivety and harm, Jesus calls us to learn to slither in wisdom and glide in innocence.

We must learn to slither because not everyone around us is as well-meaning as we like to assume. Thus, while we courageously live lives marked by love, we are nonetheless to use every bit of wisdom, skill and strength we have available to protect ourselves and those around us. This includes a strategic and circumspect approach to our relationships, business, finances, family and mission.

However, while we are to take on the “wisdom of the serpent”, Jesus does not expect us to harm or intimidate those who oppose us. There are many people in this world who react with venom to any opponent. However, as we slither through obstacles and around opposition, at no time are we to be found guilty of malice in our hearts or harm with our hands. We are to glide over even the most challenging of circumstances as innocently as a dove.

We see this perfectly illustrated in both the life and death of Jesus. He navigated many complex social and theological challenges with incredible wisdom and yet never took advantage of these opportunities to harm anyone. Rather, we are to draw people to their best future – one united with their heavenly father.

Likewise, may we be willing to find a way to slither through conflict, traps and temptations while remaining committed to learning to glide over attack, judgment or criticism. Let’s not be naive and sinful, but wise and innocent. Let’s learn to slither and glide just like Jesus.

Is there a situation in which you need to ask God for wisdom and innocence?