When we step into the secular world, both in the areas of business, entertainment, or politics, we are like sheep that being sent into the midst of wolves. Therefore, Jesus advised, let us be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16-31).
Both of these traits should be one, should not stand alone. Because if we are just clever but insincere it’s called cunning, and if we are only sincere but not clever it’s called stupid.
To be wise as serpents and harmless as doves there are some elements that we must grow in us, namely:
1. Prudence (v. 17).
“But beware of men.”
Many Christians are so sincere so they can easily be deceived because of lack of cautiousness. Many people out there are cunning. If we are not careful we will become their prey. Be careful in judging people, because many wolves are in sheep’s wool. The element of caution will keep us from the traps of the enemy.
2. Dependence on God (v. 19-20).
“But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.”
This will only happen when we have the element of dependence in the strong God. Train yourself in dependence on God in everyday life, both in words or even in action, so you don’t need to worry and confuse about what you should say and do, because “the Spirit of your Father” will tell you. Thus you can always find the solution of any problems or evil plans that made by the enemy.
3. Consistency (v. 22).
“… but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
The weakness of many sincere people is that they are less consistent. As a result, no single work can be completed on target. Without building the element of consistency within ourselves, we will never be succeed in whatever we do.
4. Creativity (v. 23).
“But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.”
If the business we do in one city is not effective, try to find other cities. Do not let us continue to struggle in the same area that does not produce, we will just waste our precious time. If what we are doing all these years does not produce, try to do something else. Try another way! That’s creativity. Creative people have never pegged in one way. An expert once said: “It is a madness, if we keep doing the same thing the same way, but expecting different results.”
5. Learning (v. 24-25).
“The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master.”
Initially, a student is under his teacher, but later he could be the same as his teacher, but to experience it he needs to go through the learning process. Without the learning process a student will still be a student. Never stop learning because when we stop learning, we stop growing. Without the learning process we will never bring ingenuity.
6. Revelation (v. 26-27).
“Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.”
Train yourself, have an open heart to continue to receive the disclosure of the Spirit in everyday life. When we are faced with the enemy, elements of disclosure are needed. Thus we are not easily fooled and we can escape from the traps of the enemy.
7. Knowing (v. 29-31).
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
We must know God as the God who sustains life and determine the person’s steps whose life is pleasing to Him. Thus, whatever we experience in the secular world, we always believe that nothing happens by chance, because God sets the steps of our lives and cares for us.
When we are wise as serpents and harmless as doves, then we will be able to have the ability to respond everything from the right perspective.
Also read: Why God is Jealous Of Mammon.
