Balance!

Balance!

Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary and wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as doves. Matthew 10:16 AMPC

We are indeed in strange times. This is a generation God spoke about long ago when He said that iniquity will abound. We have mastered the art of disobedience and rebellion against God's express commands; we have closed our ears and eyes to the things He would have us hear, see and respond to. 

However, one thing is also clear: in every generation, God preserves for Himself a remnant. The number isn't important; it just matters that irrespective of the decadence and the evil around, God will always have the few that know and hold on to Him, seeking to worship and work in line with His commands. This is the generation God is speaking about in today's extract.

God is sending out: all who claim to know and follow God CANNOT be masters of their own destiny. You answer to God and are subject to his authority and you go out as and where He commands. He sends us to the world around us to impact it for Him, not to sell our own ideas. He sends us out to draw men to Him; to be the ointment that is a sweet smelling savour that will attract men to God. Am I truly one or have I blended in so much that the world cannot see the difference?

He sends me out and makes it clear what and how I am to impact. Sheep are docile animals, incapable of evil actions, yet they are placed in the midst of wolves. In physical appearance and attitude, both are unique. You cannot mistake one for the other. Wolves only know how to tear down and consume; sheep know and recognize the voice of the shepherd and they follow him wherever he leads. 

I am told again to be as wise as serpents, but gentle as doves. Following Christ doesn't rob me of my senses and reasoning, but it subjects them to the authority and leadership of the Holy Spirit. I may not always understand where and how He leads, but if I am truly a follower of God, I will not struggle with knowing His voice and obeying Him. Men must see a difference in the usual and the normal around me, if my life will speak for God. Is that true about me? His time of favour is here.