BE DANGEROUS
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Genesis 46:1-7,28-30
Psalm 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40;
Matthew 10:16-23
What does Jesus mean when he says: “Be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves?”The serpent is a dangerous animal. It was a symbol of evil power and chaos from the underworld as well as a symbol of fertility, life, healing, and rebirth. This potent danger is what Jesus wants us to possess. But not for evil intents and purposes. This is why He balances it with the harmlessness of a dove. The Jews consider the dove to be a symbol of peace, healing, and hope for a better world. A follower of Christ is, therefore, a crossbreed of two opposing worlds, one of power and of peace, of danger and harmlessness, of strength and gentleness.
It is laughable to think that being Christian means being powerless, timid and a wimp. Far from it. Jesus said to his disciples who tried to defend Him when the Jews came to arrest Him: “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). Do you remember when Jesus made a cane and chased people out of the temple in John 2:15? Do you think a weak and timid person can do that? Do what lies in your strength and put your trust in God: “If you trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live in the land and be secure. If you find your delight in the Lord, he will grant your heart’s desire” (Psalm 37:3-4).
Here are some ways in which you can arm yourself daily and make yourself dangerous:
Wake up early in the morning and do not snooze your alarm.
Pray the very moment you wake up and resist the urge to pick up your phone.
Make your bed as soon as you get up.
Keep a consistent exercise routine to strengthen your body.
Read the Scriptures for 15 minutes every morning to nourish your mind.
Practice intermittent fasting throughout the day to tame your appetite.
Be excellent at whatever skill, profession or vocation you are in. Erase mediocrity from your dictionary. Do not simply be good, be great at what you do.
Control your tongue. Think before you speak and watch what you say.
Resist the urge to raise your voice or curse anyone who annoys you.
Get to every appointment 5 minutes before the time.
Listen actively when someone is speaking to you (don’t be on your phone).
Always keep your promises.
Volunteer your gifts, resources and expertise wherever it is needed—put them at the service of God’s kingdom.
Apologise when you make a mistake or fail to keep a promise (no excuses).
Make a point to learn something new, related to your field of work and share this knowledge with someone.
Try to go to bed early.
Greatness and power consist in doing the ordinary things of each day with extraordinary care and consistency. Consistency in these areas of your life will make you a formidable soldier in God’s army.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, thank you for giving me the grace and strength to learn, grow and flourish in the world. Help me to put all my gifts at your disposal for the glory of your name and the good of everyone I come in contact with. Amen.
May God strengthen you in mind, body and soul. May His grace strengthen your spirit and His wisdom renew your mind, and His fortitude renew your body for the battles of life and grant you victory all round. Amen.
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