Be Wise as Serpents, Gentle as Doves (Matthew 10:16)

In this season of division and uncertainty in America as well as the world, I am writing this blog to the Christians and the churches of America. Especially to those who fear that government actions, cultural shifts, or new policies are hidden schemes meant to silence the church. Please remember this: if there is an ulterior motive at work, it will not escape God’s will, and if and when the time comes, we will face it with His strength. However, in the meantime, we are called to remain grounded in His Word, putting on the full armor of God by studying the Scriptures, so that we can glean His Words (sayings) to quench the fiery darts of the enemy. Also, so that we can recognize the signs of the times.

If real dangers exist in our world today—whether political unrest, misinformation, or health threats, it is still God’s will that we walk wisely, protect others, and above all remain known for our love, trust, and faith in Jesus—Yeshua. Romans 13:10 reminds us: “Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.” We do not want to bring unnecessary harm, division, or suffering to family, friend, or neighbor…do we?

And for those Christians who believe the government is setting a trap for us, remember how Jesus responded when the Pharisees tried to ensnare Him with a political question about paying taxes. In Matthew 22:21, He replied: “Therefore give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Jesus showed us that traps can be avoided with discernment and wisdom. The same is true today. If traps are being set for the church, we must not stumble into them by reacting with fear, hostility, or pride. Instead, let us be wise as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16)—reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. Let us seek God’s help, live with discernment, and shine with His wisdom, so that the world will see us as followers of Jesus—gentle, loving, and steadfast in faith.

If we are to respond like Jesus, consider this: Did He ever break the laws laid down by Rome? No. Did He stir up rebellion against Roman rule? No. Did He warn us that following Him would bring persecution and hatred? Yes. But He also reminded us in Matthew 4:7: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Recklessness is not faith!

How can we serve God if we cut our work short by foolishness? How can we share the Gospel if we willingly invite avoidable trouble? We know that God will call us home in His timing—not ours. As Jesus told Pilate in John 19:11: “You would have no authority over Me at all if it hadn’t been given you from above.” True authority belongs to God alone.

I don’t know a single Christian who fears death, and why would we? We have hope in Christ and eternal life in Him. We actually look forward to leaving this world that is growing darker with each passing day. But we are not called to seek death or provoke persecution by our own unwise actions. Matthew 10:28 reminds us: “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

So why would anyone suggest that respecting the laws of the land means Christians are afraid to die? What good is it to stir up a hornet’s nest? Why would we hand our enemies the excuse to persecute our pastors, scatter our church body, or even destroy our meeting places? Should we not be known for wisdom, love, and peace instead of strife? The time is short and I’m quite certain I’m not the only one who believes that Jesus will return soon. Until then, He needs His soldiers on the ground! We need to keep sharing the Gospel, serving in love, and living faithfully.

We must remember that the church is not limited to a specific building or a particular day on the calendar. It is the people themselves, those who put their trust in Jesus—Yeshua as their Savior. Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 2:5: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” The true church is comprised of believers, living stones united in faith, wherever they may be—whether worshiping in a home, gathering outdoors, meeting online, or simply praying together in small groups. Psalm 24:1 declares: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” And Jesus Himself promised in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.” Every place belongs to God, every day belongs to God, and His presence is with His people—always.

If forces opposed to God attempt to disrupt the church or push us into hiding, we must remember that their schemes cannot stop God’s purposes. Even if local authorities temporarily restrict gatherings or impose regulations, we should not allow ourselves to be trapped into reckless actions that defy lawful orders. We are called to stand firm in our faith and live to serve another day. Every life is a precious gift from God, and how each person chooses to steward that gift is ultimately between them and the Lord.

The good news is that we are never alone—Psalm 121 reminds us that the Lord never sleeps or slumbers; He is constantly watching over His people, protecting and caring for those who trust in Him. Let us also remember the Apostle Paul, who preached and shared the Gospel under all sorts of difficult and even dangerous conditions. Many of the letters we know today as the Prison Epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon—were written while Paul was imprisoned. Even in chains, God’s work through Paul continued, reaching thousands and shaping the early church. Like Paul, we can serve faithfully, wisely, and boldly, trusting that God can use us and His church to shine His light no matter the circumstances.

Like Paul, who faithfully shared the Gospel under the harshest conditions, we too can continue God’s work despite challenges. Let us choose God’s wisdom over rash responses, relying on His guidance and presence instead of acting impulsively. The enemy may attempt to distract, intimidate, or even silence us, but God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. Our calling is to stand firm, act with discernment, and shine the light of Christ wherever He places us.

Let us treat our fellow man with the gentleness of a Dove. In a world filled with fear, division, and conflict, we are called to reflect the love, patience, and trust in Jesus-Yeshua that defines His followers. Being gentle does not mean being weak; it means showing restraint, wisdom, and grace even when the world around us grows chaotic. It means being wise as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16), discerning the traps that lie before us while extending Christ-like love to everyone we meet.

Let us be gentle, yet courageous. Let us be wise, yet loving. Let us be steadfast in faith, bold in hope, and unwavering in love. By doing so, we honor God, protect our fellow man, and ensure that the Gospel continues to move forward, touching hearts and changing lives—even in the midst of a troubled world.