The teaching of Jesus to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves (Matt 10:16) advises believers to navigate perilous situations with wisdom and integrity. The apostle Paul's strategic division of his accusers in Acts 23 illustrates this principle in action, demonstrating prudence and resourcefulness in the face of danger and injustice.
Tag: wisdom
Toughminded and Tenderhearted
The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 10:16 and Luke 16:1-9 call believers to navigate the challenges of the world with a balanced approach, being “shrewd as serpents” by exercising wisdom and strategic thinking, while also remaining harmless “as sheep” and “innocent as doves” by maintaining honesty and moral purity. These lessons underscore the importance of discernment, strategic use of resources, learning from both positive and negative examples, and ultimately leveraging worldly aspects for eternal purposes. The overall message advocates for a harmonious blend of toughness of mind and tenderness of heart in the pursuit of a wise and righteous life.
Beyond the Fragrance: The Enduring Legacy of a Good Name
Solomon wrote, “A good name is better than a good perfume, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth” (Eccl 7:1). A good name speaks of a good character, and a good character is more desirable than a good perfume. The death of the righteous is like the setting of the sun on a beautiful day, with bright rays shining through the clouds and lighting the sky on fire for all to enjoy and revel in its glory.
Being the Good Boss
On a day to day basis, the good leader is one who will listen to you, stand up for you, trust you and not micromanage every aspect of your work. She communicates clearly, constantly, and in a collaborative manner. He seeks your advice, listens to your concerns, and consults you on the best solutions for success. She sets high expectations and encourage you to be the best you can be, operating according to agency standards, and striving for new heights of excellence. He also cares about your life outside of work and wants you to have good physical, social, and mental health. Lastly, the good boss can be tough when needed. She lives in reality and knows there are some who will not respond to her leadership, and, may be required to use her authority to reprimand and/or terminate staff; however, this is always a last recourse after all other positive strategies have failed. Overall, I see the good boss as one who lives sacrificially for the benefit of others, always desiring their success as well as the success of the agency.
Characteristics of a Controlling Personality
Generally, a controlling person is self-absorbed, insensitive towards others, pushes to get his own way, and manipulates circumstances and people to achieve his own agenda. He cares mainly about himself and sees others as a means to an end. When feeling threatened, he may resort to unethical behavior to destroy his opponent. He does not understand or appreciate freedom and grace. Controlling others involves breaking them down, destroying their self-worth, degrading them psychologically and emotionally, even resorting to social and physical abuse in some instances. In many cases, the controlling person lacks the capacity to enjoy a mature loving relationship, because his thoughts are consumed with self, and he does not know how to love sacrificially for the benefit of others. He does not know how to love graciously, freely, with an open hand, expecting nothing in return. He gives only to get. He may use the word love, but it’s only as a means to an end, to serve his own selfish program and not the wellbeing of the other person. People are seen as objects to be manipulated, not individuals to be loved.
Biblical Wisdom
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: to know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion, a wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a … Continue reading Biblical Wisdom