This morning I thank God for life and
the way it unfolds; God has chosen to use the base things of our existence to
confound the way of “Mr Worldly Wiseman”. Life although tainted by the
corruption of sin is a catalyst that helps us walk in the Spirit with the mind
of Christ teaching us the way when we place God first in our lives. Somehow I
have missed the emphasis that the Lord Jesus places on us to be as gentle as
doves but as wise as serpents! I suppose this is the next chapter I must now
consider and it is imperative that I get it right!
Therefore let the Word lead the way…
"Behold,
I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents
and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
– Wisdom then is the key! Let us not be fooled into believing that those
outside of Christ will be on our side when the chips are down, we would be
foolish to trust that. They are unconsciously driven by that which is unseen; “For
we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
- They are
enlisted in the army that prior to salvation we also belonged to; unwittingly
lead about by our noses without any actual understanding. It would be imprudent
of us to put our reliance in such men or women. With that said I understand
that God is for us and whatever He determines will come to pass. He controls
even the evil forces; they cannot go beyond the bounds of His instruction. We
have been taught that very clearly from scripture and the book of Job gives us
great insight to that fact! However when we begin to put our trust in uncertain
riches, beware! We must place all our confidence in our God! Of all lessons, I
believe this is one of the most important classes we can learn from here on
earth, faith toward God! In spite of these physiques of death, flesh and blood forms
that age and then eventually die a death of humility. We must learn to have
faith toward our God as the only supreme ruler, remembering that our great
Saviour has led the way; “And being found in human form, he
humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a
cross.” (Philippians
2:8)
What
do we do as Christians when we find ourselves partnered with unbelievers? It is
hard for most of us to avoid such conditions of employment.
Let
us explore further…
The
context of this verse Matthew 10:16 is
obviously under the bearing of ministering the gospel, the Apostles were sent, and
they were given a particular objective, to preach the gospel. Not many of us
have been sent in that sense. But we all have been commissioned to preach the
gospel within our own circles. If we have been saved and have the mind of
Christ we all have a certain measure of that gifting; “we have freely received
now freely give” is the instruction. How then do we marry the two; working with
unbelievers and preaching the gospel? It would be foolish to trust an unbeliever;
we have already proved that they unwittingly belong to the enemy. They are
blind due to sin, just as we once were! We must be diligent with what we have
been called to do, with commitment as unto the Lord. But we must always have
our wits about ourselves, trusting God and no one else. This is certainly a
lesson that will keep us from disappointment. God has already promised to give
us what we need if we seek His righteousness as our first point of call. “But seek first the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to
you. Therefore do not be
anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for
the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33-34)
To
be as wise as serpent but as gentle as dove and understanding that it is better
for us to suffer wrong when doing the right thing than to take up vengeance for
ourselves; “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,
for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty,
give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his
head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21)
There
is much for us to consider and this topic is far from over, My God open my eyes
to wisdom in this area of my life is my prayer, Amen! I am in desperate need of
your help my great Father God.
Signing
off
Tyrone
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