Smart Sheep

Genesis 30-31:16 Matthew 10:1-23 Psalm 12 Proverbs 3:13-15

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. – Matthew 10:16

Talk with a scientist about creation. Share your experience of coming to know God with an agnostic. What kind of response do you suppose you will receive? Most of the time we can predict they will not be excited to hear what we have to say. Yet there are others closer to home. Imagine sharing with a friend how following God was much more satisfying than chasing after money, power, sex, or anything else. How would they respond if you told them these things had a completely different meaning and were more satisfying with God in first place?

Sharing the truth about following Jesus and His ways is not easy. It isn’t unusual for Christians who share their faith to be teased, made fun of and bullied. Still Jesus asks us to share our faith. I don’t think He meant for us to be dumb about it, though. Really, would taking the stage in a bar on karaoke night to preach a sermon meet with good results? He wants us to be smart about it, taking opportunities when they present themselves. After all, if the sheep don’t wise up, the wolves will eat them all. Then how will they hear about Jesus?

Holy Spirit, give us Your wisdom in sharing Jesus and His love and His ways with people in our lives today. Help us to get out of the way and to let You speak through us. Lord Jesus, put Your love in our hearts so that we live with love and wisdom. Make us as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. Amen.