Serpents and Doves

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

Serpentes and doves - two creatures with little in common. And yet, in the development of our character, we should be "how" they are in some respects. It's a good paradox, is not it? Much of the character of Christian is a paradox.

For example:

We should control our tongues (James 3:1-12) but also be bold in speech (Ephesians 6:20). There is no virtue in a language that is uncontrolled or daring in a language that is so controlled that it is never daring. Our languages need a "daring controlled" for both publicly rebuke sin (Galatians 2:11-21) and particularly (Matthew 18:15). Although the consequences may be unpleasant (Mark 6:16-18), we must speak boldly, and when the situation requires, our languages should be straightforward bold (Matthew 23:15). The fear of saying the wrong thing should not prevent us from saying the right thing (Matthew 10:26-27). Silence does not always reflect wisdom, sometimes it just shows cowardice.

The humility of Paul (1 Corinthians 15:9) and at the same time, their confidence (2 Timothy 4:7-8) exemplify another paradox. Humility should not create timidity but confidence should not lead to arrogance. The humility will keep us aware of our own weaknesses but should never cause hesitation in pointing out sin in the lives of others (1 Corinthians 5:1-13). We are humbled that we run the risk of making mistakes in opinions and understandings of truth, but we are confident that there are certain things of which we are sure that can not be compromised (Galatians 2:5).

The virtue of patience (Galatians 5:22) has to be balanced by intolerance (Colossians 2:4,8,16,18). The need is patience as we try to progress to maturity, but intolerance is accurate when progress does not happen and goals are not met (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Hebrews 5:11-14). It's one thing to suffer with sinners as they try to overcome sin, but tolerate sin is completely different (Revelation 2:15-16, 20-21).

Surely we should care what others think of us (Matthew 5:13-16), but at the same time, we care little about the way we evaluate (Galatians 1:10). The virtue of living to influence others (Philippians 2:12-16) can so easily become addicted to living to please others (Galatians 2:11-21).

Some are likely "by nature" to be "like snakes" or "doves" and the devil uses our "natural inclinations" to cause an unbalanced character. He would emphasize what is easy and does not emphasize what is not. As a result we often go to extremes: a person falsely believes that sophisticated people "educated" avoid talking about bold, confident pronouncements, intolerance of sin and conduct that may "offend" others, or a realist who is abusive in speech , arrogant, intolerant and unconcerned with what others may think.

The development of a balanced character but paradoxically does not come quickly (Hebrews 5:12 - "elapsed time" ) or easy (1 Corinthians 9:25 - "to dominate" ), but there are no shortcuts to reach maturity

Posted in: Serpents and Doves