Shrewd as Snakes and Innocent as Doves

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In Matthew 10:16 Jesus told his disciples... I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 

To be innocent as doves makes me think of being gentle and kind, but this must be balanced with discernment, which comes from God. 

In Luke 16 Jesus told the parable of the shrewd manager who cut a deal with his masters customers in order to build relationships with them. Then Jesus said the following... The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 

There are 2 kinds of shrewdness. One kind is shrewd in order to deceive others and tear them down. The other is shrewd in order to make other people great and build them up. In these verses Jesus is saying that using worldly things to build relationships with people is dealing with shrewdness. Purposing in your heart to be generous and do continually good for others is a form of shrewdness that can open doors. However, it is important to purpose in your heart to do good for every person you encounter. In my years in business I have seen some people who only do good and act generously when they think the other person can do something good for them. The key is to do good and be shrewd in generosity with every person you encounter. This will open doors you could never expect. 

In the video above there is a communion meditation for receiving from God the ability to be shrewd( in a good way) as snakes and innocent as doves. 

I am praying for you.

Daniel

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