Be Wise and Innocent
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
Our Lord uses the behavioral examples of four different animals to help direct our understanding of this commandment.
• Wolves are fierce and furious, voracious and ravenous, deadly and a nemesis – especially to sheep.
• Snakes are cunning and wise – especially in avoiding danger.
• Doves are harmless, docile, and innocent.
• Sheep are meek and humble. They are harmless and inoffensive. They are a testimony to gentleness and meekness in a cruel world.
Here, our Lord is sending us to be on mission (work/live) right in the middle of the wolf pack. It is by faith and by the power of the Holy Spirit that we give testimony to the mission of His gospel. However, He does not leave us with just the command to “go.” In addition, He commands us to “be wise and innocent” as we are on mission.
Father, I cannot do any good apart from you. Nothing in me, by myself is good. Empty me O Lord! May Your Holy Spirit overwhelm my soul, my spirit, my body, my strength! Help me be wise and innocent in the duties of my mission for your glory and Kingdom through Christ our Lord! Amen.