sheep in the midst of wolves

Jesus said, "I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.  Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16 NKJV.

So what does this mean? To what do we apply this principle? And who are the wolves?

I believe it means that we are sent.  We are sent as ambassadors of hope to our country, our states, our communities and our families. It means that what we do, how we think and how we live is important.  Do we allow our feelings to rule our life or do we think and allow our values to bring us to the decisions that we make? Are we going to be selfish and think only of ourselves or will we stand up and declare that we will do what it takes to remain free.  Free to teach, free to learn, free to worship, free to give, free to work and establish businesses, free to celebrate life.

I believe that we must apply this principle to every aspect of our lives.  Even though I realize that this scripture is of Jesus talking to his disciples about spreading the Gospel, I believe that we should also allow this to permeate the fabric of our lives.  Are we wise in how and what we teach our children?  Are we being mindful of what we allow into our minds?  Are the things we engage in profitable or harmful?

I am amazed at how complicated and yet how simple life is.  In our world today there are so many things vying for our time, money and attention.  In our daily lives, with our work, in leisure and with our families, we must ask God for the wisdom to know what is right.  And then we must act on that wisdom.  We must prepare for the future, learn from the past and be content in our circumstances.  

Do we think that life should be easy?  Do we feel entitled? That we should be guaranteed a job or a certain lifestyle?  Is it wise to depend on something or someone other then God for our provision? What kind of life would it be without some struggle.  The struggle makes us stronger and we learn valuable lessons in the process. I want to have the abundant life that Jesus died for me to have.  This abundant life requires that I engage in life and act in faith that what I do will have impact and value.

Who are the wolves?  The wolves are the principles or individuals that undermine faith, the family, deny the value of hard work (i.e. they want something for nothing), and believe that there are no consequences for how we live.

So how will you live?

Blessings,
Mamawizzy