THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 10:16-20
“Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
Living with, like and for Jesus in this dark world will not be easy.
He will help us, His Spirit will speak and work through us, we will not be alone.
Jesus urges us to be wise, to think through how best to represent Him.
Neither gullible nor a pushover, we should always think and act with integrity.
Beware of traps, look for opportunities, think through implications… be wise!
Know how the enemy works, and make your plans accordingly.
Satan will use anyone, anything, to silence me, to hold me back, to discourage or defeat me.
He is shrewd like a serpent, but we can be too… only without resorting to evil.
The greatest danger is for the person who does not realize that life is a battleground.
I am aware of how the enemy works in my life, and I have to take steps to defend myself.
Life in this world as a Jesus follower calls for shrewd yet innocent STRATEGIC PLANNING.
Jesus is urging us, like Paul does later, to arm and prepare ourselves (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Where is Jesus sending me today, where will I end up having to share His love?
How will the enemy work against me to silence me, to hold me back?
What steps will I take, what places will I avoid, what friends will I rely on, what supports will I use?
The Lord will help me with His Spirit, but I must do my part as well.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, Your Spirit’s help is greatly appreciated but I need to be engaged too, to carefully consider the enemy’s schemes and to plan accordingly.