You may be surprised to learn my favorite verse of Scripture. Actually, it’s not my favorite as such, but I find it helps me deal with many of the tough situations of life.
Jesus called the twelve and sent them out with authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease and infirmity. He at first sent them only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Later, they would take the gospel to all the world.
As they went, Jesus gave them instructions for how to act when they took the gospel to their lost countrymen (Matthew 10:1-15). They were to give the gospel freely. Their ministry would be simple, austere, and urgent.
My favorite verse, Matthew 10:16, comes at the end of that section and the beginning of a section that would arise after the resurrection when they would be hated by all for the name of Christ. When the light of Christ penetrates too deeply, persecution and hatred will come.
This section (Matthew 10:17-23) described a two-fold persecution by the Jews and by the Romans. Followers of Christ would be dragged before governors and kings because of their love for Christ. Jesus told them not to worry about what to speak at that time. The Spirit of their Father would be speaking for them. What a comforting assurance. They simply had to be obedient. God the Holy Spirit would do the rest.
How should they act in the midst of that persecution? This is my favorite verse: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
To be wise as serpents is to be shrewd and crafty. The call to serve Christ is not a call to naivete; it is a call to wisdom. It is a call to study and prepare, a call to think and be ready.
It’s also a call to integrity, a call to speak the truth in love and to represent Christ well. To be innocent as doves is to be a person of pure motives.
Our lives should be lived wisely in Christ; they should be lived in the integrity of Jesus.
This is my favorite verse because it calls for action which is rarely seen–wise and crafty as serpents and gentle, kind, and pure as doves.
I often pray for these qualities, that Christ will equip me to face life’s situations unafraid and to face it with love and concern for others. I believe this is a great verse for our teens and children. They should be wise and knowing but also kind and gentle.
May we respond as Christ Himself–as wisely as serpents and gentle as doves.