Know any people who are “wise as serpents” or, in some translations, “shrewd as snakes” (NIV)? Who comes to mind—a savvy business manager, a wily investor, a friend with an uncanny acumen? Those who are wise or shrewd often navigate business, and other affairs of life, adeptly and earn the respect of those around them. Jesus wants us to be shrewd.
Shrewd means astute, sharp, clever, discerning, rigorous in practical matters. Some Christians can be described as “so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.” In other words, we lack shrewdness. Jesus was noticeably worked up about this problem. “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light” (Luke 16:8, ESV). He did not mean this as a compliment to His followers. He expects us to be wise and shrewd in our dealings with this world.
Jesus commands both shrewdness and innocence in our daily living. When you consider those two desired traits, how would you assess yourself? Are you a shrewd, wise-as-a-snake person who needs to work on your dove (love) trait? Or are you more of a loving, caring person who needs to work on your snake side (shrewdness)? Both are required.
Here is why....
The text goes on to say that the “wolves” will deliver the “sheep” to courts, and flog them, and drag them before governors, and have parents and children put to death, and hate them, and persecute them from town to town, and malign them, and kill them (Matthew 10:17-31). So it is clear that when Jesus says he is sending us as sheep in the midst of wolves, he means that we will be treated the way wolves treat sheep.
But, even though sheep are proverbially stupid—which, on the face of it, is what it looks like when they walk toward wolves and not away from them—Jesus counters that notion by saying “be wise as serpents.” So vulnerability, not stupidity, is the point of calling us sheep. Be like snakes, not sheep, when it comes to being smart. I take that to mean that snakes are quick to get out of the way. They go under rock. They are clever, calculating, and wise.
So, yes, go among wolves and be vulnerable (especially as you preach the gospel), but when they lunge at you, step aside. When they open their mouths, don’t jump in. And not only that, be as innocent as doves. That is, don’t give them any legitimate reason to accuse you of injustice or immorality. Keep your reputation squeaky clean.
So both the snake-intelligence and the dove-innocence are both designed to keep the sheep on top of things. He means: Risk your lives as vulnerable, non-combative, sheep-like, courageous christians, but try to find ways to conduct yourselves that do not bring down unnecessary persecution.
In essence Jesus was saying, “The majority of My kids are on the dove program—strong in the love thing. But I get tired of seeing them run over by people. I want them to step their shrewdness game way up.”
So how do we up our shrewdness?
Jesus told us,“Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9,ESV). One practical, shrewd use of wealth (meaning your possessions, not just your currency) involves making friends. Utilize what God has given you. Don't hoard. Use what you have to help those around you and forge friendships.
Do you have a car? You might give a "Lyft" to a co-worker or casual friend who doesn't have a ride somewhere. Creative carpooling can be a first step in developing an influential relationship.
Do you have a house or apartment? Do you have extra space where you live? You might share your home with someone in need for a period of time. You could host a Bible study or prayer group. Opening your home and showing hospitality is a way to use what you have to benefit others and make forge friendships.
Do your neighbors know they can borrow your things and ask for your help? Or would they describe you as isolated?
Whatever you have, use it for the Lord. Someday, you may meet some friends in heaven who will say, “I’ve been waiting for you to get here! You used what you had and it enriched my life. You’re part of the reason I’m here.” This isn't optional. Jesus expects us to be wise and shrewd stewards of everything we have, to help others and forge relationships—with His kingdom in mind.
Add some shrewdness to your love!!
Tall Drip with cream and sugar. Keep it simple.
Robbs
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