In Matthew 10, Jesus sends his disciples "as sheep among wolves" and tells them to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

But what does this actually mean?

Being "wise as serpents" means:

✓ Having "street smarts" and understanding how the world really works

✓ Recognizing the cruelty and dangers of a broken world

✓ Knowing when to speak up and when to remain silent

✓ Being prepared for persecution when you stand for your faith

But Jesus balances this with "innocent as doves," which means:

☑️ Maintaining your integrity even in difficult situations

☑️ Acting with kindness, gentleness, and vulnerability

☑️ Remembering your identity in Christ first and foremost

☑️ Not becoming the very thing you're fighting against

This isn't permission to lie or manipulate others "for a good cause." Instead, it's wisdom to navigate a fallen world while holding onto who you truly are in Christ.

In practice, this might mean:

→ Speaking truth with kindness rather than harshness

→ Waiting for the right moment to address difficult situations

→ Putting the best construction on others' words and actions (8th Commandment)

→ Being self-aware of both your surroundings and your own sinful tendencies

Remember: The world can be harsh and unfair, but you don't have to play by its rules.

In Christ, we have the wisdom to see clearly and the grace to remain gentle in a world that often rewards neither.

Your baptismal identity is stronger than the world's games of power, money, and status.

You're forgiven. You're in Christ. You have the truth.

Contributor Matt Richard is Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

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