Shrewd But Innocent

3-3-2010
Here’s a great devotional from Wisdom Hunters!

Shrewd But Innocent… “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” Matthew 10:16

Servants of the Lord Jesus Christ require a level of shrewdness that is pure in motivation and innocent in intentions. Christians are not to create their own naïve world; rather we engage the realities of the world with keen insights and discernment. We have been given the mind of Christ, so we can comprehend through His eyes problems and solutions.

"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Furthermore, be on guard against those who leverage the Lord for their own agenda. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing whose cause is to use the church and Christianity to fill their coffers. These imposters of light deliver dark outcomes, instead of righteous results. Don’t be duped by those who only want to use your creditability for their cause.

“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people” (Romans 16:8). Shrewdness is able to see past shallow words into the depth of the heart. Discernment goes deep and knows.

Is your Christianity practical and purposeful? Are you willing to suffer even when your intentions are innocent and pure? The wolves of the world do not care about Christ; they only want their way. Thus stay true to truth and transparency, and trust the Lord to keep you in times of danger and uncertainty. Be wise and walk in His ways, not the world’s .

This is why your Savior Jesus sends His shepherds to accompany you on your faith journey. Your minister of the Gospel is God’s representative to guide you. His teaching exposes lies, so you are able to apply truth and understanding to relationships. Your great shepherd is Jesus, but His ministers represent His authority and insights. Shrewdness and innocence comes to those who follow Christ and His shepherds in faith and hope.

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).

How do I balance shrewdness and innocence in negotiating business deals? How can I submit to the shepherding of the minister at my local church?

Related Readings: 2 Samuel 13:3; Micah 5:4; Luke 16:1-8; Philippians 4:7