Read Matthew 10:16-33

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

What words of wisdom from our Lord Jesus Christ! We are sent out in His name, for His glory, not as royal diplomats or as wealthy ambassadors, but as sheep in the midst of wolves. Yes, we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation in the kingdom of God, but in the kingdom of man we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

This world is not our home, and it is proven by the citizenship we have reserved for us in heaven.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20)

On this principle alone, we discover at least several application points of godly wisdom.

First, if Christ has called us to be as sheep in the midst of wolves, then by all means, we must be that very thing! Too quickly we fight for our rights and our privileges. Is it too much, Christian, that we lay down our rights in order that a lost soul may come to the Savior? Did not Christ lay down all of His rights in the name of His Father for the salvation of the world? Let's say you win your right to do or to be, but was it effective to showing your neighbors the love of Christ?

Second, if Christ has called us to be as sheep in the midst of wolves, then we must understand the dividing line of conviction between Christians and the evil of this world. What an odd picture to think of sheep plotting with the wolves! How unusual to imagine sheep prowling on sheep!

Has not the Apostle James warned us?

“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)

Let us not dispute over doubtful things that divide us, Beloved. Let us not assume the worst in our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are already facing the fangs of savage wolves! How truly inappropriate and ungodly when we bite and devour one another.

“But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15)

Third, and last of all, if Christ has called us to be as sheep in the midst of wolves, that does not mean that we standby to be hunted. For the Lord clarified, that while sheep, we must also be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Harmless, yes, but not stupid!

Wisdom is the key! King Solomon told us to call wisdom our sister (see Proverbs 7:4). And there is no greater act of wisdom than how we use our tongues.

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:5–6)

If wolves are going to attack, then by all means, let them attack without cause. How tragic when a Christian is shot down by the ammunition he supplies by his own lack of sound speech. Let us give no cause and justification for the world’s attacks, but rather when they revile us, may our conduct be a shining light of the gospel that they may be ashamed.

“in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” (Titus 2:7–8)

Truly, Beloved, we are called to be Sheep, Snakes, and Birds. Innocent, Wise, and Harmless. Does this describe your character before the world?