Wise as a Serpent, Innocent as a Dove

A Christian ought to be twice the snake as anyone in the world. They should be more intentional, clever, shrewd, canny, and wise. Our Savior has told us to be snakes, but not snakes in the ways of this world. We are to have snake-like skills with dove-like intentions. Reflect on the words of Jesus from Matthew 10:16 (ESV),

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

You see, as Christians, we do not lie in wait to devour our enemies.  We possess no intention to harm. We have emptied ourselves of all venom, and what remains is the love of God. It is a love that manifests in gentleness, kindness, and humility. It is the innocence of a dove.

But we also must be crafty and astute because we are called to carry the light of God to dark and dangerous places. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing and true enemies to the purposes and plans of God. Jesus experienced real animosity and persecution, and as His followers, we are not exempt. That is why we must be wise. Martin Luther King Jr. put it this way,

We must combine the toughness of the serpent with the softness of the dove, a tough mind and tender heart.

Take heart. The wisdom of God will always thwart the wisdom of this world and the love of God is stronger than the power of hate. Now don’t you forget that you are called to be a snake today. But take note and let all your cunning possess the innocence of a dove as you strive towards these joyous ends:

1. To Glorify God
2. To Love Thy Neighbor
3. To Proclaim Gospel of Jesus Christ

A Loose Cable

A young missionary, Herbert Jackson, was given a car to help him in his work. The car was a major asset, but it had one difficulty—it would not start without a push or a jump-start. Jackson devised a system to cope with the car’s inability to start. When he was ready to leave his home, he went to a nearby school and asked permission to bring some of the children out of class to help him push-start his car.

Throughout the day, he was careful to always park on a hill or to leave his engine running when he stopped for short visits. For two years the young missionary used what he believed was an ingenious method to enable him to use the car.

When poor health forced the Jackson family to leave the field, a new missionary arrived to lead the mission. When Jackson explained to the new missionary his methods for starting the car, the young man opened the hood and began inspecting. “Why, Dr. Jackson,” he interrupted, “I believe the only trouble is the loose cable.” He gave the cable a twist, pushed the switch, and the engine roared to life.

For two years, Dr. Jackson had used his own devices and endured needless trouble. The power to start the car was there all the time—it only needed to be connected.

Are your spiritual connections loose? Are you striving and straining in your own strength? When was the last time you lifted the hood and examined your heart? The power of God is always available to us as Christians. We just need to be connected. Connected to the cross of Christ. Staying in step with the Spirit. Serving and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. Soaking in the Word of God. Jesus reminds us in John 15:5 (ESV),

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

We shouldn’t just live “for” Jesus we need to live “from” Jesus. Abide with your Lord and Savior today and make sure those connections are strong.

A Thread of Glory

"Just let a thread of your robe of glory pass me by." I remember well praying these words as I knelt on the thin brown carpet covering the concrete floor of my dorm as the Lord provided one my most intimate encounters with Him.

My words feel empty in trying to describe how I felt His presence come into the room. All I knew to do in that moment was keep my head bowed and "to say praises as He came". I felt warmness in my face and my heart bursting with thankfulness. I had no secrets from Him, and I felt no shame towards Him. As His more intimate presence left the room I just knew "to say praises as He departs".

There is no doubt His presence is always with us but there are times we experience His intimate presence. We can sit in a room with people enjoying each other’s presence and some bonding occurs. However, if we really want to bond with someone, we do it one on one and with a focus on that person.

Having had these intimate experiences with God, I still can struggle to make time for those divine appointments with Him, but I have never regretted doing so. I encourage you to seek an intimate time with our Father today by soaking in the words of His Son,

"The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one." -John 17:22-23

Way Too Formal

I can remember getting ready for church one morning a few years back. I plopped my son Corban on top the deep freeze so I could put his shoes on for church. As I began to put my son’s shoes on, he told me with a grin on his face, “Hey Pastoy Micah”. My son has a way of making me laugh and this time was no exception. Your toddler isn’t supposed to call you, “Pastoy Micah”. I couldn’t help but laugh. This got me thinking as to why this was so funny to me. Then I pegged it. It was way too formal. Although it’s true that I’m a pastor, being called that by my toddler is just weird. My son has a much closer way of relating to me than just as a pastor. I am his dad.

I wasn’t long after this special moment of humor with my son that my brain made a connection. I began to wonder how often we do this with God. How often do we make our relationship with God more formal than it needs to be? It is true that God is far above us. It is also equally true that God desires to be very close to us. He desires a very close, intimate relationship with His creation.

How do we know that a God who is so transcendent and unique wants to be close to us? We know because He sent His son Jesus to bridge the gap between God and man. Jesus came to saves us from our sins so we could be reconciled to our creator. The bible reminds us that when we put our faith in Jesus we are adopted into God’s family (John 1:12). We become His sons and daughters. And here’s the cool thing about adoption. When someone decides to adopt, they look at a child and see all there is to see about them. Then they say, “I want you.” They choose them. So it is with God. He sees all there is to see about us: the good, the bad, and the ugly. He chooses us anyways. He wants us. He wants to be close. He wants to be our Father (Ephesians 1:5).

So how about you? How formal is your relationship with God? Are you afraid to let God get close? I found at times we don’t get close because we are ashamed or afraid of what God will do with our wounds, failings, and sin. God sent his Son Jesus to heal, save, and redeem. God wants to be near to bring healing and wholeness to our lives. You need not to fear coming home to a Father that loves you (Luke 15:20). It’s fine to call God Lord, but many times Father will do just fine. Don’t miss the intimacy God has planned for you. Don’t keep Him at arm’s length. That’s just way too formal.