WEDNESDAY, 06 AUGUST 2025 JUST HOW SMART ARE YOU? Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves - Matthew 10:16 The Lord Jesus Christ would never give us a commandment that He Himself did not obey. In other words, the words of the Lord Jesus Christ reveal His character. He’s therefore like a sheep amongst wolves, but also as wise as a serpent, and harmless as a dove. God’s people don’t have a problem being compliant like sheep. They don’t struggle with being harmless as doves. But being wise as serpents is a bridge too far for many of them. We associate snakes with Satan, and therefore, according to us, they are evil and demonic. Clearly, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is Himself God, knows the characteristics of snakes since He created them. Snakes are not inherently evil. Satan just took advantage of their nature in the garden and abused it for his own selfish ends. Snakes, like doves, or sheep, are not inherently evil. In fact, not all snakes are venomous. Some are just harmless and beautiful creatures. However, all snakes have one thing in common: they are wise. The word ‘wise’ can be translated as ‘shrewd’ or ‘cunning.’ To be wise as a serpent means to be as shrewd or as cunning as a snake. Just because some snakes are venomous doesn’t mean they are evil. Just because Satan used a serpent in the garden doesn’t mean snakes are evil. The Lord Jesus Christ is therefore making a redemptive statement about snakes. Venomous snakes use their venom to kill prey, or to defend themselves. There are no snakes that hunt humans and kill them for sport. The Lord is not dealing with the venomous nature of a snake, but rather its wisdom, shrewdness, or cunningness. That means snakes are intelligent, clever, strategic, and savvy. It means they are smart. Luke 16:8 says, ‘...For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.’ The Lord Jesus Christ also made the observation that the children of darkness are more shrewd than Christians. They’re wiser, cleverer, more strategic, and smarter than the children of light. In other words, don’t be naive. Study, do your research, do background checks, go to school, consult, attend seminars, watch videos, and learn as much as you can. More than that, when you make moves, make smart moves. Don’t be foolish, don’t be naive, don’t be childish, don’t be ignorant. We have to prepare for the coming collapse, and for us to survive, we are going to need to have certain skills, and make certain moves. In Hebrews 11, we read about how, under persecution, the ancients lived in holes in the ground, in caves, and in mountains. The Lord Jesus Christ has already told us we’ll have to run to the mountains. Which mountain will you run to? Have you identified a cave yet? What about a hole in the ground? What mode of transport will you use to get there? How will you survive once you arrive? What will you eat? Can you hunt? Can you purify water? Can you make a fire? Can you use a compass? Can you use the moon, stars, and the sun for navigation? Just how smart are you? It’s time to wake up. Tough times lie ahead. It’s time to be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. The children of this world are preparing for the time ahead. Are you? CONFESSION I’m as wise as a serpent, but as harmless as a dove. That’s why I’m preparing for the times ahead. Glory to God! https://www.facebook.com/100068613729631/posts/pfbid0D4fSngAcaBCpVsjgqcGo5M5nHzKSkkB4hGoLU4Lv1a4vZ1HwMazLEYNWDiVyu6AZl/