This and That “wolves-sheep-serpents-doves”

Mat 10:16  Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Sheep vs Wolves

He compares them to "sheep", because they were meek and humble in their spirits, harmless, and inoffensive, in their lives and conversations; were weak, and unable to protect themselves, and were sent out by him unarmed and defenceless; and their oppressors and persecutors to "wolves", because fierce and furious, voracious and ravenous, cruel and hurtful, as these creatures are, especially to sheep; wherefore Christ gives them this wholesome advice . . . . John Gill

Serpents AND Doves

The serpent is a very sharp sighted, cunning creature, and uses various arts and stratagems for its own preservation, and especially of its head; and is so far to be imitated by the followers of Christ, as to make use of all proper methods to preserve themselves from the insults and rage of men, and not expose themselves to unnecessary dangers: and, as much as in them lies, they should be careful to give no just occasion of offence, or irritate, and provoke them to use them ill, and to avoid all snares and traps that are laid for them; and, at the same time, maintain the innocence and harmlessness of the dove, being free from all wicked cunning and craftiness, without rancour, malice, and wrath; not meditating and seeking revenge, but meek and humble in their deportment, leading inoffensive lives, and proceeding in the course of their calling, though liable to many insults, and much oppression. John Gill

Sounds great – but oh, so tough to do.

Wolves eat sheep, serpents eat doves – Oh, I feel better already(?!?!?!?!?)

I deal with wolves everyday.  Motivated by their appetite, they simply seek dinner – that would be us-sheep.  Let me share a few things I know:
Wolves are not your friends – never have been, never will be – in fact, can’t be.
Wolves are by nature predators.  They are hunters.
Wolves hunt in packs – you are never dealing with just one.
Wolves wound and then kill.
Wolves usually kill as a team.
Wolves look for the weak, injured and infirmed.
Wolves are gorgeous animals.
Wolves are sneaky, stealth.
Wolves will turn on their own.
Wolves are NEVER tame.
You are dinner on the hoof – whether the wolves eat you right away or wait until later.
The majority of wolves walk on two legs, drive cars and work, they are human.
They want to kill – they will kill you - you are dinner (or lunch - or breakfast).

Ah….. sheep..

     Meek and mild by nature.
     Utterly defenseless.
     Kind of naïve – maybe dumb.
     Can be frightened to death.
     Are not inclined to sense danger – unless it’s right in their face.
     Can panic one another easily.
     Make great meals.  Wolves love them.
     In wolf attacks most die from fright – few are actually killed by the wolves.
     Can kill themselves running away.
     Can be a little ornery.
     Sheep eat grass, not wolves.

Ok – that is them and us.  Great news right?  Oh, did I forget?  Wolf-men (and women) make the rules in this world –and they grossly outnumber us.

Let’s not forget, in human form, wolves hate sheep (especially the Great Shepherd’s flock).
Oh – joy.  I’m excited, how about you?

Let me make my great political statement of 2012  “Wolves !!!!!!!!” “Go to the poles and vote -vote for the wolf that will kill you quickly and wait till you are dead before eating you – because they will kill you and they will eat you.”  

So what is this snake and dove thing?

We need to be familiar with both:

Eph 4:14  so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
and again,
Eph 4:14  so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

I wish I could get you all to read William Gurnall’s book, The Christian in Complete Armor.  But it is a long and at times tedious read having been written so long ago.  Yet, it is as critical today and it was when written.

Alas, it is easier to just listen to sermons and go to seminars than to do the hard and tedious work of equipping ourselves and thereby actually taking responsibility for our own growth and fitness for service.

And so, we are ignorant sheep and un-snakely in our wisdom and discernment.  The result is we are captivated by the cotton-candy Gospel and the easily-done duties that pass for instruction and discipline today.  We are easily led to error and hence to compromise and would sooner shade our light than suffer the complaints concerning its brightness.

Another recommendation, is the work of Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.    

I recently saw a post on, I think, Facebook, stating that believers were too interested in the devil.  I agree that one can have a very unhealthy fascination with the devil but ignorance of hisssssss devices is just as unhealthy!

In the life of the believer sin and Satan are the enemy who, through the grace and power of God we are to kill and resist.  In the life of the unbeliever sin and Satan are the means and the source for their attaining their goals – whether they believe in them or not.  One either serves God or Satan – there is no middle ground.

Unfortunately, we all have to work and be around wolves and snakes.  I think that is important to remember.

I’ve shared this before – My step-dad taught me, “Trust no living man and walk carefully around the dead.”  Sounds hard but it’s not bad counsel – think about it – we can only really trust the resurrected man – the Son of God.

This and That 091012b Oh, be careful but proud

When men have had enlargements in their expressions, and especially when they apprehend that others are satisfied or affected therewith, they are apt to have a secret self-pleasing in what they have done; which, before they are aware, turns into pride and a noxious elation of mind. 

Owen, John (2011-09-27). Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded [Illustrated] (Kindle Locations 747-749).  . Kindle Edition.

From praise to pride is a very short journey.

From kudos to conceit is a just a step.

From glorifying Him to glorifying ourselves doesn’t take much of a nudge.

Doing works of ministry should certainly make us feel good.  But it is the good of the instrument not the good of the player.  I have heard the most beautiful music come from a simple Penny Whistle as well as a costly clarinet.  It was not the instrument but the musician.

Paul writes:  “In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.” Rom 15:17

See, there is a humble and godly pride.  It is a pride of the instrument – the one through whom God makes His music.  It is, “in Christ!”

But it is also a danger.  The danger is when we allow ourselves to be carried away from the source – the means – the power of our performance. 

We all have skills and talents and they may or may not be our “spiritual gifts.”  But they are all gifts.  I work hard to differentiate between my skills and my “gifts.”  Though I thank God for them both they are not all given for the same use.  Yes, they are given for the purpose of glorifying God but they are not all useful in the works of ministry He has called us to.

Because of my upbringing and experience I have a lot of things I can do and do well.  The danger comes when I decide which are for His glory and which are just there.

I know this sounds strange but what talents etc., I use in my work and how I use them is not the same as when I am about His work.  Yes I know He is in it all but I discern a difference as I use them.  It is hard to explain but just because I can “X” does not mean He wants “X” to be of any importance in my work for Him. 

Pride comes in when I assume that I should use a talent or skill just because I can and in doing that I keep someone else from being able to use their gifts in His service.  Even when I think I might do it better, or especially when I think I might do it better, pride is there and I must sit still.

OK this is OOC (out of context) but the principle has helped me:

1Co 10:23-24  "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.  (24)  Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Let me give you an extreme example.  I was given my first gun and taught to shoot when I was still in diapers.  I am a certified Revolver Master Marksman.  Now, pray tell, how do I use that for His glory?  I know I can think of lots of ways that skill might be used but there is no direct connection for me.

On the other hand, I was forced to take part in musicals and plays when I was very young.  Now understand I am a terminal introvert – so, at times I was whipped because I didn’t want to participate.  But, I learned to “do” extroverted things.  So, I use those skills in my work and my ministry.  Yeah, it’s hard to correlate being forced to do something with it being a “gift,” but it was – and is.

I have been told that I can be intimidating.  Now, when I was in law enforcement, that was a good thing – but “in Him,” not so much.

There are, what I call, seed gifts (no that’s not biblical) that have produced skills, talents and abilities that have are “gifts.”  The “acorn” isn’t the gift but the “oak” is.

I want you to know something I “think.”  I think that if you look back at both the blessings and trials that He has provided you will see the “acorns.”  Then, look for the “oaks.”  I have worked with a lot of brothers and sister who, at some point in their lives, experienced horrible things.  I have noticed that they are so focused on the trauma that they miss the “oak” in the yard. 

That of which many are ashamed can be used by Him to His glory in His work.

2Co 1:3-4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  (4)  who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

That’s just one way he uses our “acorns” to grow “oaks.”  But remember, we are not to take pride in our having been comforted rather we are to take pride in the comforter.

2Ti 2:20-21  Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.  (21)  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

With Paul, let us:  :  “In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.” Rom 15:17