Strategy
Have you ever felt ill-equipped for the battle?
“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. - Matthew 10:16-23
Jesus admits to sending his disciples out as sheep among wolves. Not a great strategy, right?
That depends.
If they were headed into battle, it would be a bad decision, but they are not setting out to fight.
They are being sent out to be witnesses for Christ, which means they will have to endure the same persecution he endured.
Who would sign up for that?
In a very real way, we all have, upon our baptism. We invited the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and guide us, not only when times are good, but when we find ourselves in such a battle as Jesus describes, brother against brother, child against parent.
When we need to speak on our own behalf, the Holy Spirit will be there to speak for us, through us, and if we can endure, we will be saved.
Maybe that is how we should attack each day of our lives, as though we are in a battle of good over evil, soul over ego, mercy and love over complacency and hate.
Maybe, when we are challenged or tempted, we should hold our tongues and let the words come form within, where the Spirit lives.
It could be a strategy worth trying.
After all, there are a lot of wolves out there.
More to come...