Our Lord put it this way to His disciples in Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
The word “wise” here is phronimos in Greek, which is also the word for “intelligent, sagacious and prudent.” Instead of being discerning and watchful, many Christians keep it being loving and harmless.
But if you apply what the Lord says, to show strong love with discernment, it will make you an attractive person. It will make you interesting and exciting.
It is one thing to say that you forgive and let go of the matter if someone has cheated you personally. But when you see a con artist going around in church, speak up and report the matter. It is no more about personal forgiveness. It is about being responsible to the flock of God. Don’t just say, “It’s okay, it’s water under the bridge. Let’s just walk in love.”
No, you are not walking in love. You are walking in cowardice behind the label you call “love” because you are afraid to confront.
Like Adam, some men have kept quiet and allowed evil to reign. Though Adam heard God’s commandment clearly in the garden, his silence allowed Satan to deceive his wife. (Genesis 2:16–17, 3:1–6)
Many a time, marriages crumble because the man abdicates his responsibility by telling his wife, “Okay, I don’t know. You decide.” And the wife takes over. After a while, when she needs a real man who is responsible and makes decisions, she finds that she is the one who is wearing the pants! So ladies, learn not to subjugate your husband by taking decisions away from him all the time. Men, take up godly leadership at home.
But know this: When it comes to making important decisions, it is wise to discuss them with your wife. There are times when there are major projects that God speaks to me about which I discuss with my wife Wendy to see how she feels about them on the inside. So don’t just tell your wife, “I’m the head of this family. Submit!” God made woman to be man’s helpmate. (Genesis 2:18) Your wife can be a pool of wisdom to draw from.
Stand firm and put your foot down if you have heard God on the inside and still feel strongly about a decision.
By Joseph Prince. He is the senior pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore.
This Sermon first appeared at www.josephprince.org
