Innocent as a dove
16/10/2021 Rom 16 v 1-27
Innocent as a dove
“…but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.” (vers 19)
For as long as I can remember, it has always been a battle between good and evil.
The problem is that the world has taught us that just being good is enough. Enough for what? Enough to live a good life, because everything comes to a halt when you die and you need to leave a legacy behind, which shows everyone, just what a good person you were…
No one is good
On the contrary, the bible teaches us that NO ONE is good, not one – not a single person – and that we all fall short and seek darkness rather than light. Does this mean that we cannot discern what is good, right and acceptable in the Lord’s sight? Of course not! We are instructed to apply wisdom and discern every spirit to see whether it is from God.
What is the writer referring to then, when he says that we ought to be “wise in what is good“?
Once we realise that we are merely sinners and that our life (outside of Christ) is testimony to that which is evil, then and only then, can we discern between good and evil.
Do not be deceived
“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” (vers 17-18)
There are many wo claim to love the Lord and seek to minister to His people, yet they approach you with ulterior motives and a hidden agenda. Their actions often lead to divisiveness, causing the sheep to stumble. We are called to watch out for these people and turn away from them.
How are we to even identify these people, if we cannot discern between good and evil?
Be wise in your understanding
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as a dove.” (Mat 10 v 16) [NIV] [paraphrase]
This almost sounds like a contradiction, for we know that a snake can be borderline cunning, while a dove is seen as innocent and pure.
The Oxford definition for “shrewd” means to have or show sharp powers of judgement.
Therefore as a child of God, we should develop the skill to judge the words and actions of people with caution, without condemning the person. The only way we are able to do so, is by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions, ensuring that everything we think, say and do is calculated.
This will ensure that we stay within the Lord’s will, still being able to practice our own free will, but being content with offering up our own desires, in order for us to align with God’s perfect will.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation”
