Wise and Harmless

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

This is a Scripture many are familiar with, but few actually consider. As followers of Christ we have a target on us all the time. That's just how it is. It's got nothing to do with being fair or just. Life's not fair. The world has a concept of how we should act if we name the name of Christ. Haven't you ever heard, "You can't do that--you're a Christian," or some variation on the theme? Chances are you have. And Christians do it, too. Ever heard a parent admonish their child for doing or saying something in front of the preacher? I mean, aren't Christians just as human as non-Christians? Aren't preachers just as fallible as laypersons? Of course and you bet! But some part of our minds can't wrap itself around the concept, so we hold different people to different standards. And we watch them, almost like we're waiting for them to fail. That's why we're instructed to be wise as serpents, conducting ourselves in a manner that will not besmirk Christ's name, and harmless as doves, not stirring up trouble and attracting negative attention when it can be avoided. You're a target, Christian; watch yourself.