Serpents and Doves
Being like them
Matthew 10:16 (ESV) “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
In order to make it in this world, we must have wisdom. We cannot be unaware of the traps and snares that the world holds. As the time of the Lord’s return nears, men become more and more lovers of themselves, 2 Timothy 3:2 (ESV) “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,”
We have probably all been on the receiving end of deceptive spam calls. Some of these calls can be very creative. They tell us that unless we act immediately, we will face dire consequences. This is all lies designed to get us to do something that will reveal personal information that can be used against us; or to give money for something that is not real. While money is not evil in and of itself, the love of money can cause people to act in an evil manner.
There are many causes that prey on the unsuspecting. We may think we are doing something good giving to what appears to be a worthy cause, when in fact our money is being used to line the pockets of those who are counting on us to fall prey to their scheme. When we give in accordance with the leading of the Holy Spirit we will give to the right cause. I look at my giving as sowing seeds. Why plant a seed if we do not expect a harvest? I do not think there is anything wrong in expecting a return on our sowing. In fact, the bible promises it…Luke 6:38 (ESV) “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
If I don’t see a return on my giving, I begin to question whether I am giving/sowing in the right place. I have given to individual born-again Christians and seen a return. I have also given to “Christians” and not seen a return. The bible tells us not to cast our pearls before swine. We should give to organizations, churches that are spreading the gospel. The gospel must first be preached throughout the world before the Lord will return. I am looking forward to the day when the Lord returns. I know that this world will not be set right until Jesus comes back.
Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you through the traps and snares of this world. He is the holder of all the wisdom we need to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.