Serpent Hiding by a Rock and Dove on the Pathby KandD
10:16Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Christ sends His trained representatives forth on His errand as defenseless sheep into the midst of hostile wolves, to face danger, hatred and trial in dark new fields. He warns them beforehand of the cost, of councils and prisons and betrayal even by family, so trials will strengthen rather than surprise faith. Those sent must therefore join serpent wisdom of prudence, discernment and good judgment with dove harmlessness of innocence, gentleness and freedom from malice. This means speaking truth with love and tact, presenting it gradually as hearers can receive it, avoiding harsh or unguarded words and even lawful actions that would needlessly provoke prejudice and close minds. When persecuted they are to withdraw quietly to another place, take no anxious thought for words for the Father's Spirit will speak in them, and endure to the end in calm dependence on Christ who goes with them.
Sending and Commission Setting
Matthew 10:16 belongs to Christ's sending of the twelve disciples as His representatives after training them through His teaching and example, needing experience of working on their own along with further instruction, patience and tenderness, so that when facing opponents of the gospel they could recall His words and see their effect. It was spoken when He sent them out two and two on their first trial of laboring without His personal presence, sending them as sheep into the midst of wolves and commanding them to join serpent wisdom with dove harmlessness, with the warning to beware of men because they would deliver them up to councils and scourge them in synagogues. It was spoken to them on their missionary tour and when He ordained them to carry the gospel from place to place and to preach the kingdom of heaven from house to house in the same line as giving Bible readings. As sheep in the midst of wolves they must bring peace into houses, use judgment and discrimination about whether the master of the house is worthy, let provision by the house be the test of where to give time and instruction, and not waste precious strength and time where labor would produce no good result. Being wise as serpents and harmless as doves includes leaving those who will not receive or hear and shaking off the dust of the feet, leaving that city to a judgment more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, and beingware of men because being delivered to councils and scourged in synagogues will be experienced in the fullest sense.
When surrounded by hostile power and misleading influence, even among leaders, and when the outcome is unknown, His followers must be wide-awake and pray earnestly to the Lord for correct judgment, showing full courage without presumption or boldness in human strength, finding relief by casting all care upon Jesus. Its instruction to the disciples on their first missionary tour is in harmony with presenting divine truth in love and sympathy from house to house, including through kindness to the poor, the sick and the bereaved. He sends them as lambs among wolves into a world divided between Christ and satanic agencies cast down to earth, where each person must choose which side to be on. To be wise as serpents and harmless as doves means to represent the divinity and the mercy and compassion of God, following Christ who clothed His divinity with humanity, came as a little child in poverty to reach and sympathize with humanity and save it, refusing legions of angels, and was rejected by priests and rulers because He did not come as a conquering king as they expected. The charge belongs to everyone in whatever position: all who will enter heaven will be co-laborers with Jesus Christ, not looking at others to find fault and complain, but lifting the standard in their own house and heart, and by doing that work shutting the door against the enemy.
That commission when He called the first disciples together is the pattern for present laborers and for medical missionary work done in connection with the third angel's message, a sanctifying, unifying work that is to accomplish wonderful results. It sends workers forth as sheep among wolves to do that work of preaching the kingdom of heaven at hand with healing and blessing, and its instruction in the whole chapter prepares present laborers for their work on Christ's errands amid trial and perplexity. Those sent go on Christ's errands under His commission with His Spirit preparing the way before them, carrying a message to give and blessings to impart and expecting a welcome in the homes of the people because of the message they give and the blessings they impart. As they go to carry the message of truth into places of spiritual darkness they will face hostility and danger like sheep among wolves, and must act with both prudence and innocence, wise in how they work yet harmless in character. As they go they represent Christ, who gave His life for the world, to bring the light of truth to those in darkness and win souls to Him.
The sending carries Christ as Helper, with His glory resting upon the workers and His speaking through them as He spoke through the disciples, the work to be carried in meekness and lowliness of heart, letting the light of His countenance shine forth. Though surrounded by manifestations of a wolfish spirit and opposition to the truth from the world, workers must not partake of that spirit but remain wise and harmless. He warned them in advance about the danger, cost and trials they would meet, giving caution about their mission that they go out exposed among enemies and must join shrewdness with innocence, so they were to understand the cost and not enter it unaware. His warnings prepare them for suffering and persecution so that trials will strengthen their faith rather than take them by surprise; they are to endure hatred for His sake and avoid needlessly sacrificing their lives by moving to another city when persecuted.
He knew His disciples would be left to carry on His work amid danger and opposition, and told them plainly what lay ahead so they could remember His words in trial and be strengthened to believe in Him as their Redeemer. Like sheep among wolves, they would face persecution, expulsion from synagogues, imprisonment, and even death for witnessing to Him as the Messiah, and they are not to be removed from the world, but are to be kept from its evil, with Christ promising to help them in trials by bringing His words to their remembrance. On the eve of Gethsemane and the cross He read their future as an open book and knew He was about to be separated from them and leave them defenseless among deadly enemies ready to tear and devour them. It means they would suffer persecution for believing He is the anointed One, be put out of the synagogue, be imprisoned and put to death, with Stephen the first to win the martyr's crown. Though He fully sensed His own coming human and divine suffering and soul-agony, as the shepherd of the sheep He did not deceive them with false hope but comforted them against troubled hearts and tried faith.
The early disciples were in this perilous position as they went out to preach the gospel, facing danger like sheep among wolves, yet they were courageous because Christ had risen, revealed Himself to them, and promised the Holy Spirit to equip them and give power for their mission.
Sheep Among Hostile Wolves
Christ sends His messengers as vulnerable, defenseless sheep and lambs in the midst of wolves, facing danger, opposition, hatred, perils, trials, and hardships in new fields and places of spiritual darkness. He warned them in advance about the cost so they would not enter unaware, and His warnings prepare them for suffering and persecution so trials strengthen faith rather than take them by surprise. Those sent to carry out God's work, including religious-liberty work and medical missionary work carrying the gospel and its blessings, must meet that danger with both prudence and harmlessness. The caution joins shrewdness with innocence for advocates of truth who face bitter attacks and prejudice, especially as the end approaches, enduring hatred for His sake.
The danger includes being handed to councils, scourged in synagogues, brought before governors and kings as a testimony, expelled from synagogues, publicly reproached, falsely accused, imprisoned, hated for His name, betrayed even by brother, father, children and family, and put to death, with Stephen the first to win the martyr's crown. Men will deliver them to councils, scourge them in synagogues, bring them before governors and kings, betray them even through brother, father and children unto death, and hate them for Christ's name. When delivered up and questioned they are to take no anxious thought for their words because the Spirit of the Father will speak in them, and he that endures to the end shall be saved. The warning to beware of men explains the need for care that does not compromise innocence, requiring a solemn manner that avoids needless offense and needless peril to life, with caution also in what is publicly published so opponents are not given material to hinder the work.
Opposition often comes from religious leaders and authorities having form without godliness, who stir prejudice and violence against present truth as they did against Christ. Those who defend truth and teach truth opposed to religious doctrines may face councils, public reproach, false accusations, and imprisonment through such stirring. Opposition will grow more bitter and determined until the end, with harsher persecution still to come. Their suffering mirrors their Master's: as the disciple is not above his master, if the Master is slandered His household will be too, and the treatment of His servants follows the treatment He received.
Though surrounded by manifestations of a wolfish spirit and opposition to the truth from the world, workers sent to bring light to those in darkness and win souls must not partake of that spirit but remain wise and harmless in meekness and lowliness of heart. The warning also applies within the church not to treat one another with hostility, accusation, gossip, or hatred, which weakens the church and dishonors Christ. Hostility toward His workers — including misrepresenting or falsely accusing them and passing on evil reports — opposes Him whom they represent, so care and integrity are required in dealing with fellow workers rather than criticism. Souls misled by false shepherds are portrayed as scattered among wolves, whom Christ longs to gather and unite with other sheep as one flock under one shepherd to hear His voice. God's messengers sent to apostate Israel were misrepresented, misunderstood, and many cruelly put to death. Where hostile men gather falsehoods, hire halls to oppose truth, and watch and take names to deal with any who come to listen because the devil is active there, hearers cannot distinguish true teaching from opposite teaching when both are spoken well.
Wisdom Joined With Harmlessness
Those sent out must join serpent-like shrewdness — prudence, careful good judgment, discernment and care — with dove-like harmlessness — innocence, gentleness, meekness and freedom from malice and harm — because they go defenseless into danger among hostile people. The charge was given to disciples sent to do healing and ministering work, to gospel ministers carrying the message from place to place, and to advocates of truth facing bitter attacks and prejudice especially as the end approaches, requiring a solemn manner that avoids needless offense and needless peril to life. It belongs with warning that they will be hated, handed over to councils, scourged in synagogues, brought before governors and kings as a testimony, betrayed even by brother, father, father and children unto death, and rejected as their Master was, with the disciple not above his master and the household slandered if the Master is slandered. In religious-liberty work this means prudent conduct without giving up innocence, and when put on trial taking no anxious thought for words because the Father's Spirit will speak in them, with endurance to the end needed to be saved.
True wisdom is quickened by the Holy Spirit to discern what is transpiring, understand the true nature of things, know Satan's cunning and mature devices, discern spiritual dangers, and know how to move. God's people are often less wise than Satan and therefore vulnerable to his temptations, so watchmen must stay alert and discerning without losing harmlessness, and those sent to share light with people in darkness need wisdom and a gentle spirit given by God in Christ's strength, including through heavenly agencies. That wisdom is shown by obedience to God, constant watchfulness, unceasing prayer, an eye single to His glory, being weighted with truth and Christ's love for souls, with works corresponding to great light and a character far above the world in unselfishness, liberality, self-denial, goodness and mercy, and wide-awake usefulness in relieving suffering humanity, while speech not wisely tempered can close access to people who need help. The blend was perfectly seen in Christ, in whom deliberate serpent wisdom was joined with dove innocence for saving sinners. Absorbed in saving the lost race, He ever showed tender love for the sinner while severely rebuking sin, calmly and deliberately affirming His royal character and speaking of coming in glory in heaven's clouds, in deepest humiliation when darkness seemed triumphant proclaiming Himself the Life-giver, and though apparently humblest and lowliest declaring that seeing Him was seeing the Father and thus identifying Himself with God.
Living the blend requires watching and praying, keeping life hidden with Christ in God, casting all care upon Jesus, and when lacking wisdom taking the matter to the Lord in prayer for Him to direct the path. When surrounded by hostile power and misleading influence even among leaders, with outcome unknown, followers must stay wide-awake and pray earnestly for correct judgment, showing full courage without presumption or boldness in human strength. In sharing truth amid efforts to oppose it and in winning souls, believers are to believe and work diligently with prayer, love, faith, unwearied patience and earnest personal effort, using discernment and gentleness and following the commission without giving up either prudence or innocence. It requires remaining calm and forbearing even when others act inconsiderately, keeping control of self so speech honors God and actions are righteous. Under provocation workers must resist anger and accusation through close communion with God, relying on Christ's power and the Spirit rather than natural impulse, resting in God's love so as not to answer hostility in kind, since gentle conduct commends truth more than forceful argument and opponents include Satan and his agents.
Speech is to avoid sharp, harsh, cold, severe, rude, needlessly severe or hurtful words, and to be tender and careful of one another's feelings with no resentful word or action, cultivating traits that add to the peace, happiness and healthfulness of others and bearing one another's burdens in the family and beyond. Overstraining the nerves can lead to excited speech that dishonors God, so keeping them healthy helps maintain calm speech, and every Christian is to train under Bible rules so work is free from selfishness and carelessness, endures for time and eternity, blesses others in cooperation with divine intelligences, and shines as light to guide those in danger of missing the way through temptation. True laborers need wisdom from above with grace mingled in all work, a shrewdness joined to harmlessness that avoids giving offense or pain of heart, yet still admonishes one another when needed, with no one professing sanctifying truth taking offense easily but laying aside sensitiveness and jealousy while pleading for divine help, speaking the right word at the right time whether the occasion looks fitting or not. It is the test of true discipleship by work for fallen men among hostile surroundings, and professed believers cannot stand with little concern for their welfare or with benevolent thoughts alone but must awaken to act now because time passes and whole communities are unwarned.
Fulfilling it takes both work through publications and direct personal effort to reach those publications cannot reach, going outside the churches to warn unbelievers, with fruit following obedience, as churches wake and ministers clothe themselves with zeal to carry the message due at this time. The words spoken to the first disciples remain the rule for every church member in proclaiming the third angel's message, requiring active and decided earnestness, improving every opportunity to increase usefulness, not letting Satan hold back full powers from God's service, and laboring with dignity and confidence yet humble dependence, exercising wisdom in all ways while working in His name and fear with true godliness, knowledge of the Word and unfeigned faith. Mere profession of faith saves no soul; a person must continue in the faith to the end. Confidence is not to be placed in men, even men who have occupied positions of trust, when they are not under sanctification of the Spirit, for they will prove unreliable, while the Lord will be with His people as long as they will be with Him.
Persecution and End-Time Trial
When handed over to councils, scourged in synagogues, brought before governors and kings as a testimony, betrayed even by brother, father and children unto death, and hated for His name, those sent are to take no anxious thought beforehand how or what to speak, for it will be given in that same hour, since it is not they that speak but the Spirit of the Father speaking in them, and he who endures to the end shall be saved. Their suffering and rejection mirror their Master, for the disciple is not above his master, and if the Master is slandered His household will be too. In the time of the end this calls workers to keep life hidden with Christ in God and, when lacking wisdom, to take the matter to the Lord in prayer for Him to direct their paths.
When persecuted in one city they are to withdraw to another, as Christ Himself left cities where He was opposed, continuing until the Son of man comes. They are to endure hatred for His sake and avoid needlessly sacrificing life, moving quietly and discreetly so the work is not destroyed. This requires the Holy Spirit's power to avoid being rash and inconsiderate, creating prejudice and hatred, and giving occasion for lies, mobs, and the closing of the field, laboring carefully and peaceably in hostile territory.
They must beware of men, be wide-awake, and pray earnestly to the Lord for correct judgment when surrounded by hostile power and misleading influence, even among leaders, and when the outcome is unknown. They are to show full courage without presumption or boldness in human strength, finding relief by casting all care upon Jesus. They must speak no unadvised word to stir opposition, take no action that deepens enmity, move with well-balanced minds while holding aloft the banner of truth in the footsteps of Jesus, and not create persecution by unwise actions. Caution in expression is the positive duty of every gifted and prominent believer, lest inexperienced hearers catch indiscreet words and repeat them in an improper spirit that does much harm and leads astray, and caution extends to what is publicly published so opponents are not given material to hinder the work.
In the setting of councils and scourging they should be alert to hostile people, for apostate workers deceived by Satan will perform signs and miracles seeking to mislead even the elect, while those who stand at Christ's coming will uphold every part of the truth that distinguishes them from the world. When final movements are rapid and agencies of darkness are secretly strengthening for the last great crisis, wisdom means being quickened by the Holy Spirit to discern what is transpiring, to understand the true nature of things, and not to be ignorant of Satan's devices. It is shown by constant watchfulness, unceasing prayer, an eye single to the glory of God, being weighted with truth, having Christ's love for souls in the heart, with works corresponding to great light and a character far above the world in unselfishness, liberality, self-denial, goodness and mercy, and wide-awake usefulness in relieving suffering humanity.
In the short limited time left before religious liberty ends in the land of boasted freedom, the law of God is made void, and the contest over the Sabbath question agitates the whole world, wisdom and harmlessness mean coming to the help of the Lord against the mighty by enlightening the many who do not understand the prophecies relating to these days and doing the duty of watchmen to give the trumpet a certain sound, crying aloud to show God's people their transgression. In 1895 many who professed to know God were still failing to show this wisdom and harmlessness, readily adopting a combative manner instead.
Prudent Speech and Presentation
To be wise as serpents and harmless as doves means speaking the truth without suppressing any part of it, yet always with love, tact, kindness, tenderness, compassion, meekness and gentleness. It forbids rudeness, needless severity, harshness, sharpness, coldness, hurtful words, scathing remarks, bitter thrusts, personal attacks and denunciatory speeches, because God's own Word cuts to the heart without such additions. Harsh speech gives Satan an opening to misrepresent the spirit of the workers, arouses malignity and antagonism, closes doors against truth, and can cost opportunities to serve. In other churches this shrewd gentleness gives clear-cut messages with evidences of truth while restraining harshness in word and deed, with feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace and goodwill, working in righteousness, mercy and love so souls are saved and truth triumphs. Plain, positive presentation in Christ's spirit, not raids on other churches or attacks on lawbreakers, commends truth more effectively than forceful argument.
Caution in expression is the positive duty of every gifted and prominent believer, requiring no unadvised or unguarded public word to stir opposition, no action that deepens enmity, and no creating of persecution by unwise actions. Inexperienced hearers catch indiscreet words from truth-bearers and repeat them in an improper spirit that does much harm, leads astray, and provides an example for imitation as from a messenger sent by God. This applies especially in print and public speech, demanding careful examination of ways and spirit, courteous speaking and writing, and avoidance of every sharp thrust and careless, venturesome word. Satan stands ready to treasure up such words and unite satanic agencies with evil men to bring speedy and severe suffering, making restraint the highest obligation. Serpent wisdom here means avoiding words others could use against the cause, while dove harmlessness maintains a gentle, blameless spirit, forbids lording over minds, souls and principles as under human jurisdiction, and forbids readiness to put on the war dress and show oneself. Harshness cannot reach hearts even of the bitterest opponents who have not had the same light and dishonors God, so publications are to be crowded with straightforward truth with humiliation of soul and Christ's meekness and lowliness in giving the invitation.
Wisdom with harmlessness presents truth gradually as hearers can receive it, not forcing all subjects of truth and doctrine at once, since going at people pointedly at the onset closes their ears. It lays aside personal inclination, ideas and plans, modifies methods, varies work for different times and places, and carefully plans what to say and what to leave unsaid. Holding back part of the truth for the right occasion is not deception but gains confidence, removes needless barriers, and prepares people to hear, producing much greater results in winning souls while remaining faithful to the Word and avoiding needless provocation, closed minds, and premature crisis. Having the right to do something does not mean it is always wise or helpful to do it. Even true things may be better left unspoken for the present, so discernment must guide timeliness without abandoning innocence.
When entering new fields this means not presenting the Sabbath first but first dwelling on conscience-arousing subjects, practical godliness, devotion and piety, and the self-denying, self-sacrificing life of Jesus as example. Only after people see the contrast with their self-indulgent, unchristian lives and become dissatisfied are prophecies to be presented and the purity and binding claims of the law of God upon every soul to the end of time to be shown, with God's chosen people arising to defend the law when it is made void and the Christian world joins with the Catholic and the worldly in making of none effect the commandments. Where a community already knows the faith this cautious course is not needed, though personal labor coming close to hearts is still required in every case. Everywhere the work is to avoid running down the churches and giving the idea that the work tears down, but to build up and present truth as it is in Jesus with much dwelling on vital godliness. This cautious course is the same guile Paul used.
Approach to ministers is to be open and fair, treating them as honest men, first becoming acquainted in a friendly and sociable way and laying openly before them the desire to share precious truths from the Word rather than stealing in secretly to take sheep. Conversation begins with matters of general religious interest, even seeking information from them, rather than coming directly and pointedly to disputed truth at first, leaving that for another interview and giving them fair opportunity to be favorable and kind. Such careful, prayerful, Christlike effort, beginning with shared interests, can win a minister's confidence and influence others while leaving truth unhidden and unashamed. Rulers and authorities are likewise to be approached tactfully, seeking every suitable opportunity to become acquainted and make the work known without provoking needless prejudice. Practical Christian help shows concern for others and makes hearts more open, presenting Christ rather than abruptly pressing the Sabbath, and lifting Christ higher if Adventist identity draws opposition, while avoiding rash, unguarded or provocative actions yet continuing faithful witness.
Knowing how and when to send out God-given messages belongs to this wisdom, holding back already-written truth with nothing blotted out or left out until a special emergency it meets arises, then bringing it forward with strong evidence and proof. The lamps are kept in the pitchers until divine orders come to break the pitchers and let the light shine, and when the Lord speaks His workers hear and obey. When doctrinal differences arise they are to be repressed rather than made apparent before students or in papers, especially at sensitive or untimely times. Even full conviction that one's ideas of doctrine are sound does not make publication wise, for to publish differences departs from God's positive directions, does only harm, and sets an example licensing others to bring their own ideas and theories before the public. Discreet silence also guards private institutional matters, not opening up all concerning the beginning of the Madison work nor telling everybody everything about Nashville and Madison, refusing to make public things of a private character and keeping them within a special few instead of trying to make all understand everything. Publishing plans, such as moving publishing work from Battle Creek, are kept confidential when disclosure would invite interference, without abandoning the work or acting with malice, because some in positions of trust may not stand the test and some will depart to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.
Faithful Work in Practice
Faithful work means holding back even from what is lawful and rightful when doing it would stir needless prejudice, shut minds against truth, obstruct help to souls, or hinder the advance of the work, for what is lawful is not always expedient. Discreet restraint gives enemies no occasion to blaspheme or reproach, avoids rash extremes and premature crisis, follows the Spirit's direction, and presents truth gradually as hearers can bear it while remaining fully faithful to the Word. Refraining from Sunday work to advance the work in such a setting does not mean receiving the mark of the beast.
In the Southern field this requires moving quietly and judiciously and leaving the color-line question to rest, agitating it as little as possible, because the time has not come to work as if there were no prejudice. Words and publications must be guarded, for careless speaking and ill-advised public statements stir bitterness, prejudice and hatred among whites and blacks, invite lies and mobs, endanger laborers, and close the field so souls cannot be saved. Those unwilling to speak and act with such care should not attempt the work there, and when the work becomes dangerous in one place workers should move to labor in another rather than rashly destroy it. Even things one has a perfect right to do must be left undone if doing them cuts loose from helpers, closes the door to laborers in the South, and hinders saving souls in a world to be saved.
Canvassers sent as sheep among wolves show wisdom joined with harmlessness by speaking modestly and discreetly, engaging in no controversy, feeling on trial before the heavenly universe, recognizing precious souls ripe for harvest, and proving by life and speech that they are Bible students and representatives of the Lord. The same sending commissions house-to-house preaching in the line of Bible readings, bringing peace into houses and using judgment and discrimination about the worthiness of the master of the house. Provision by the house tests where to give time and instruction, and precious strength and time are not to be wasted where labor would produce no good result. Where hearers will not receive or hear, workers leave and shake off the dust, leaving that city to a judgment more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, beware of men, and expect councils and scourging in the fullest sense.
Among the sick the same blend means tender love, judicious forbearance, and wise restraint, without displaying intense anxiety for understanding and acceptance. No testing point is to be forced, no sharp point always made in argument, and no strongest proofs pressed lest hearers suspect mere effort to convert; workers wait for inquiry, let example and words and works teach, let the simple Word speak and convince, trust God to impress the heart, and refuse controversy with opposing parties. Those who have apostatized are to be dealt with kindly yet without compromise, giving no occasion for good to be evil spoken of or for truth to be misrepresented.
In dealing with Dr. Kellogg, discernment without malice or needless injury means avoiding words or actions that drive to desperation or hasten crisis, walking humbly, leaving room for repentance, and allowing the Spirit to work on minds and God to direct events. His own wise and harmless connections with the medical community outside the church helped reduce the use of drugs and introduce natural remedies without attacking others.
Men in high places, worldly men, Gentiles, and even idolaters are to be approached wisely and harmlessly, acquainting them with the work as the best and greatest enterprise in the world, acting as having a right to expect help, and giving them opportunity to bestow favors, open avenues for truth, and advance the cause. Leaders are to bide their time, hide in Christ, and not provoke needless conflict with authorities and powers over means nor bind up means God would have set free, for His restraining hand is not yet withdrawn from the earth. Since God has placed His goods in the hands of unbelievers for a fallen world and moves upon their minds to do many things for His people, far more favors and gifts may be received through agents without sympathy, faith, or obedience, and what they give of their abundance for God's work is not to be refused, while no principle of truth is sacrificed and workers remain in the world but not of it.
In securing country properties for sanitariums, schools, and outpost centers, prudence without harm means obtaining suitable places with existing advantages at low price, without extravagant spending or burdensome debt, then working the neglected cities from those centers. Counsel about laws must be carefully guarded to avoid provoking resistance or obstructing the work, teaching obedience to state laws when they do not conflict with God's law. Applied to laws governing medical practitioners, this means complying where principle is uncompromised, respecting safeguards against unqualified practitioners, and seeking adjustment of requirements that would force a false position.
Staffing a health institution joins shrewd foresight with gentle blamelessness by refusing to hire feeble, cheap, or sickly workers for board and treatment to save money, since they prove most expensive in the end, fail when most needed, burden others, fill places needed for healthy helpers, and drive patrons away by bad reports. Helpers are given fair opportunity to learn truth, then those showing no disposition to receive it are removed because they will be used to work against the institution, keeping only those who are a credit to it. The spiritually blind are to be led with patient, loving forbearance by tender hearts softened and subdued by God's love, laying aside own spirit and natural, hereditary and cultivated traits with all likes, dislikes, harshness and sharpness so souls are not driven away, placing self in the seeker's place to clear fog and difficulty, yet standing in the battle's forefront as God calls, waiting on the Lord and filled with His Spirit to reach people through God.
Foreign missionary work and teaching require tact and carefully tempered speech dependent on wisdom from angelic agencies, lest unwise speech close access to those needing help. The Holy Spirit alone preserves Christlike kindness and guides methods to persuade students to transforming truth that makes them sons and daughters of God. Workers for sacred work come into close touch and thorough association with temperance-minded people instead of holding distant in pharisaic aloofness, especially Women's Christian Temperance workers and individual members, planning to gain confidence and hearts and giving evidence of true Christianity for mutual benefit until by their own request the way opens to lead them to the Bible and Sabbath light, avoiding wrong lines in so-called medical missionary work.
Teachers and schools are to be approached tactfully with opportunities sought to introduce literature and explain the work, while remaining gentle and without harm. In all practical mission movements wisdom joined with harmlessness under the Holy Spirit's guidance and Christ's ministry of love inspires confidence as led by the Lord, keeps influence as wise counselors, and blesses God's people, requiring books to be handled so as to throw no discredit on publishing houses and give no appearance of taking advantage for personal benefit. Hearts kept in Christ's love answer opposition in ways honoring God and winning souls, adorning doctrine by grace and meekness as outward proof of inward sanctification, without anger toward the spiritually blind once equally blind, removing prejudice by manners, words, and spirit learned in Christ's school without lessening truth by concession and without harshness or coarseness.
Labor in great centers follows the same pattern, appointing strong thoroughly converted men with many young men and women associated with them to labor humbly, show great ingenuity in presenting words of eternal life so souls are reached and converted, and present truth in tenderness that wins hearts. In evil times among hungry wolves and tigers seeking to devour, serpent wisdom with dove harmlessness means knowing how to move, avoiding controversy tending to evil, refusing self-vindication unless positively necessary for God's cause, restraining zeal against opposers, resting the case with the righteous Judge, and controlling the tongue under strong feeling and holding silence by God's Spirit, while God gives power and dignity to pure truth so the honest are not deceived. Dealings are to be fair without taking sharp advantage of outsiders, preserving unity and avoiding plans that discredit others or diminish influence, resisting partial accounts and hostile influence while treating the vulnerable with fairness, sympathy, and care.
Political speech and conduct are to be careful and separate, bringing no reproach on truth nor turning hearers away, keeping silent about political questions unrelated to religious work after Christ's eloquent silence on many subjects. Sensitive matters are handled calmly and discreetly rather than stirring others or publicizing them, and practical mission work keeps needed enterprises in view, visits openings from time to time, takes no steps until assured of the right course, and states intentions plainly to calm fears. Servants act with sound judgment, avoiding unwise zeal or needless limits that obstruct doing good, and as judgment nears strengthen people in Christian experience with clear definite counsel, avoiding Aaron's cowardice in letting wrong proceed unchecked. Where God sends for a purpose, workers go forward quietly to please Him best and do whole duty without shunning conflict, taking no notice of opponents and making no reference to them even where hostile men gather falsehoods, hire halls, watch and take names, and hearers cannot distinguish well-spoken truth from well-spoken error because the devil is active there.
Care in what is publicly published belongs to the same prudence with innocence amid councils and rulers, lest opponents be given material to hinder the work. Those sent with truth involving the destiny of souls must examine ways and spirit, speak and write courteously to the public especially in print, and avoid sharp thrusts and every unwise, careless, venturesome word, because Satan stands ready to treasure such words and unite satanic agencies with evil men to bring speedy and severe suffering upon believers.
Christ With His Messengers
Christ is represented by the saints He sends, so hostility toward His workers opposes Him, and misrepresenting or falsely accusing them is opposition to Him, requiring care and integrity rather than criticism, gossip, or passing on evil reports. He takes men whose course was most offensive to God, even men who felt and said to kill Him thinking they were doing God service, redeems them, loads them with divine favor, changes them to be as lambs, makes them one with Himself, places them in the highest positions of trust, and sends them into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His grace and offer full pardon to all who will turn from sin to God. Those who refuse to accept them and hear the heaven-sent message reject the Lord Jesus Himself, and will hate and persecute them because the world hated and persecuted Him first.
To be wise as serpents and harmless as doves means to represent the divinity and the mercy and compassion of God, following Christ who clothed His divinity with humanity. He came as a little child in poverty to reach and sympathize with humanity and save it, refusing legions of angels, and was rejected by priests and rulers because He did not come as the conquering king they expected. He sends them as lambs among wolves into a world divided between Christ and satanic agencies cast down to earth, where each person must choose which side to be on, having ordained His disciples to carry the gospel from place to place. The charge belongs to everyone in whatever position, for all who will enter heaven will be co-laborers with Jesus Christ, not looking at others to find fault and complain, but lifting the standard in their own house and heart, and by doing that work shutting the door against the enemy.
That character was perfectly blended in Christ, the wisdom of the serpent joined with the harmlessness of the dove, absorbed in saving the lost race, ever showing tender love for the sinner while rebuking sin with severity. The blend meant calmly and deliberately affirming His royal character and speaking of His coming in glory in the clouds of heaven. It meant in the hour of deepest humiliation, when the powers of darkness seemed triumphant, proclaiming Himself the Life-giver. Though apparently the humblest and lowliest of men, it meant declaring that those who had seen Him had seen the Father, thus identifying Himself with God.
On the eve of Gethsemane and the cross He read the disciples' future as an open book and knew He was about to be separated from them and leave them defenseless among deadly enemies ready to tear and devour them. Though He fully sensed His own coming human and divine suffering and soul-agony, as the shepherd of the sheep He did not deceive them with false hope but comforted them against troubled hearts and tried faith. They would suffer persecution for believing He is the anointed One, be put out of the synagogue, be imprisoned and put to death, with Stephen the first to win the martyr's crown. They are sent to carry out their mission in a hostile world, exposed like sheep among wolves, not to be removed from the world but to be kept from its evil, with opposition and persecution as part of their service. Christ promises to help them in trials by bringing His words to their remembrance.
Christ sends His trained representatives forth on His errand as defenseless sheep into the midst of hostile wolves, to face danger, hatred and trial in dark new fields. He warns them beforehand of the cost, of councils and prisons and betrayal even by family, so trials will strengthen rather than surprise faith. Those sent must therefore join serpent wisdom of prudence, discernment and good judgment with dove harmlessness of innocence, gentleness and freedom from malice. This means speaking truth with love and tact, presenting it gradually as hearers can receive it, avoiding harsh or unguarded words and even lawful actions that would needlessly provoke prejudice and close minds. When persecuted they are to withdraw quietly to another place, take no anxious thought for words for the Father's Spirit will speak in them, and endure to the end in calm dependence on Christ who goes with them.
Sending and Commission Setting
Matthew 10:16 belongs to Christ's sending of the twelve disciples as His representatives after training them through His teaching and example, needing experience of working on their own along with further instruction, patience and tenderness, so that when facing opponents of the gospel they could recall His words and see their effect. It was spoken when He sent them out two and two on their first trial of laboring without His personal presence, sending them as sheep into the midst of wolves and commanding them to join serpent wisdom with dove harmlessness, with the warning to beware of men because they would deliver them up to councils and scourge them in synagogues. It was spoken to them on their missionary tour and when He ordained them to carry the gospel from place to place and to preach the kingdom of heaven from house to house in the same line as giving Bible readings. As sheep in the midst of wolves they must bring peace into houses, use judgment and discrimination about whether the master of the house is worthy, let provision by the house be the test of where to give time and instruction, and not waste precious strength and time where labor would produce no good result. Being wise as serpents and harmless as doves includes leaving those who will not receive or hear and shaking off the dust of the feet, leaving that city to a judgment more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, and beingware of men because being delivered to councils and scourged in synagogues will be experienced in the fullest sense.
When surrounded by hostile power and misleading influence, even among leaders, and when the outcome is unknown, His followers must be wide-awake and pray earnestly to the Lord for correct judgment, showing full courage without presumption or boldness in human strength, finding relief by casting all care upon Jesus. Its instruction to the disciples on their first missionary tour is in harmony with presenting divine truth in love and sympathy from house to house, including through kindness to the poor, the sick and the bereaved. He sends them as lambs among wolves into a world divided between Christ and satanic agencies cast down to earth, where each person must choose which side to be on. To be wise as serpents and harmless as doves means to represent the divinity and the mercy and compassion of God, following Christ who clothed His divinity with humanity, came as a little child in poverty to reach and sympathize with humanity and save it, refusing legions of angels, and was rejected by priests and rulers because He did not come as a conquering king as they expected. The charge belongs to everyone in whatever position: all who will enter heaven will be co-laborers with Jesus Christ, not looking at others to find fault and complain, but lifting the standard in their own house and heart, and by doing that work shutting the door against the enemy.
That commission when He called the first disciples together is the pattern for present laborers and for medical missionary work done in connection with the third angel's message, a sanctifying, unifying work that is to accomplish wonderful results. It sends workers forth as sheep among wolves to do that work of preaching the kingdom of heaven at hand with healing and blessing, and its instruction in the whole chapter prepares present laborers for their work on Christ's errands amid trial and perplexity. Those sent go on Christ's errands under His commission with His Spirit preparing the way before them, carrying a message to give and blessings to impart and expecting a welcome in the homes of the people because of the message they give and the blessings they impart. As they go to carry the message of truth into places of spiritual darkness they will face hostility and danger like sheep among wolves, and must act with both prudence and innocence, wise in how they work yet harmless in character. As they go they represent Christ, who gave His life for the world, to bring the light of truth to those in darkness and win souls to Him.
The sending carries Christ as Helper, with His glory resting upon the workers and His speaking through them as He spoke through the disciples, the work to be carried in meekness and lowliness of heart, letting the light of His countenance shine forth. Though surrounded by manifestations of a wolfish spirit and opposition to the truth from the world, workers must not partake of that spirit but remain wise and harmless. He warned them in advance about the danger, cost and trials they would meet, giving caution about their mission that they go out exposed among enemies and must join shrewdness with innocence, so they were to understand the cost and not enter it unaware. His warnings prepare them for suffering and persecution so that trials will strengthen their faith rather than take them by surprise; they are to endure hatred for His sake and avoid needlessly sacrificing their lives by moving to another city when persecuted.
He knew His disciples would be left to carry on His work amid danger and opposition, and told them plainly what lay ahead so they could remember His words in trial and be strengthened to believe in Him as their Redeemer. Like sheep among wolves, they would face persecution, expulsion from synagogues, imprisonment, and even death for witnessing to Him as the Messiah, and they are not to be removed from the world, but are to be kept from its evil, with Christ promising to help them in trials by bringing His words to their remembrance. On the eve of Gethsemane and the cross He read their future as an open book and knew He was about to be separated from them and leave them defenseless among deadly enemies ready to tear and devour them. It means they would suffer persecution for believing He is the anointed One, be put out of the synagogue, be imprisoned and put to death, with Stephen the first to win the martyr's crown. Though He fully sensed His own coming human and divine suffering and soul-agony, as the shepherd of the sheep He did not deceive them with false hope but comforted them against troubled hearts and tried faith.
The early disciples were in this perilous position as they went out to preach the gospel, facing danger like sheep among wolves, yet they were courageous because Christ had risen, revealed Himself to them, and promised the Holy Spirit to equip them and give power for their mission.
Sheep Among Hostile Wolves
Christ sends His messengers as vulnerable, defenseless sheep and lambs in the midst of wolves, facing danger, opposition, hatred, perils, trials, and hardships in new fields and places of spiritual darkness. He warned them in advance about the cost so they would not enter unaware, and His warnings prepare them for suffering and persecution so trials strengthen faith rather than take them by surprise. Those sent to carry out God's work, including religious-liberty work and medical missionary work carrying the gospel and its blessings, must meet that danger with both prudence and harmlessness. The caution joins shrewdness with innocence for advocates of truth who face bitter attacks and prejudice, especially as the end approaches, enduring hatred for His sake.
The danger includes being handed to councils, scourged in synagogues, brought before governors and kings as a testimony, expelled from synagogues, publicly reproached, falsely accused, imprisoned, hated for His name, betrayed even by brother, father, children and family, and put to death, with Stephen the first to win the martyr's crown. Men will deliver them to councils, scourge them in synagogues, bring them before governors and kings, betray them even through brother, father and children unto death, and hate them for Christ's name. When delivered up and questioned they are to take no anxious thought for their words because the Spirit of the Father will speak in them, and he that endures to the end shall be saved. The warning to beware of men explains the need for care that does not compromise innocence, requiring a solemn manner that avoids needless offense and needless peril to life, with caution also in what is publicly published so opponents are not given material to hinder the work.
Opposition often comes from religious leaders and authorities having form without godliness, who stir prejudice and violence against present truth as they did against Christ. Those who defend truth and teach truth opposed to religious doctrines may face councils, public reproach, false accusations, and imprisonment through such stirring. Opposition will grow more bitter and determined until the end, with harsher persecution still to come. Their suffering mirrors their Master's: as the disciple is not above his master, if the Master is slandered His household will be too, and the treatment of His servants follows the treatment He received.
Though surrounded by manifestations of a wolfish spirit and opposition to the truth from the world, workers sent to bring light to those in darkness and win souls must not partake of that spirit but remain wise and harmless in meekness and lowliness of heart. The warning also applies within the church not to treat one another with hostility, accusation, gossip, or hatred, which weakens the church and dishonors Christ. Hostility toward His workers — including misrepresenting or falsely accusing them and passing on evil reports — opposes Him whom they represent, so care and integrity are required in dealing with fellow workers rather than criticism. Souls misled by false shepherds are portrayed as scattered among wolves, whom Christ longs to gather and unite with other sheep as one flock under one shepherd to hear His voice. God's messengers sent to apostate Israel were misrepresented, misunderstood, and many cruelly put to death. Where hostile men gather falsehoods, hire halls to oppose truth, and watch and take names to deal with any who come to listen because the devil is active there, hearers cannot distinguish true teaching from opposite teaching when both are spoken well.
Wisdom Joined With Harmlessness
Those sent out must join serpent-like shrewdness — prudence, careful good judgment, discernment and care — with dove-like harmlessness — innocence, gentleness, meekness and freedom from malice and harm — because they go defenseless into danger among hostile people. The charge was given to disciples sent to do healing and ministering work, to gospel ministers carrying the message from place to place, and to advocates of truth facing bitter attacks and prejudice especially as the end approaches, requiring a solemn manner that avoids needless offense and needless peril to life. It belongs with warning that they will be hated, handed over to councils, scourged in synagogues, brought before governors and kings as a testimony, betrayed even by brother, father, father and children unto death, and rejected as their Master was, with the disciple not above his master and the household slandered if the Master is slandered. In religious-liberty work this means prudent conduct without giving up innocence, and when put on trial taking no anxious thought for words because the Father's Spirit will speak in them, with endurance to the end needed to be saved.
True wisdom is quickened by the Holy Spirit to discern what is transpiring, understand the true nature of things, know Satan's cunning and mature devices, discern spiritual dangers, and know how to move. God's people are often less wise than Satan and therefore vulnerable to his temptations, so watchmen must stay alert and discerning without losing harmlessness, and those sent to share light with people in darkness need wisdom and a gentle spirit given by God in Christ's strength, including through heavenly agencies. That wisdom is shown by obedience to God, constant watchfulness, unceasing prayer, an eye single to His glory, being weighted with truth and Christ's love for souls, with works corresponding to great light and a character far above the world in unselfishness, liberality, self-denial, goodness and mercy, and wide-awake usefulness in relieving suffering humanity, while speech not wisely tempered can close access to people who need help. The blend was perfectly seen in Christ, in whom deliberate serpent wisdom was joined with dove innocence for saving sinners. Absorbed in saving the lost race, He ever showed tender love for the sinner while severely rebuking sin, calmly and deliberately affirming His royal character and speaking of coming in glory in heaven's clouds, in deepest humiliation when darkness seemed triumphant proclaiming Himself the Life-giver, and though apparently humblest and lowliest declaring that seeing Him was seeing the Father and thus identifying Himself with God.
Living the blend requires watching and praying, keeping life hidden with Christ in God, casting all care upon Jesus, and when lacking wisdom taking the matter to the Lord in prayer for Him to direct the path. When surrounded by hostile power and misleading influence even among leaders, with outcome unknown, followers must stay wide-awake and pray earnestly for correct judgment, showing full courage without presumption or boldness in human strength. In sharing truth amid efforts to oppose it and in winning souls, believers are to believe and work diligently with prayer, love, faith, unwearied patience and earnest personal effort, using discernment and gentleness and following the commission without giving up either prudence or innocence. It requires remaining calm and forbearing even when others act inconsiderately, keeping control of self so speech honors God and actions are righteous. Under provocation workers must resist anger and accusation through close communion with God, relying on Christ's power and the Spirit rather than natural impulse, resting in God's love so as not to answer hostility in kind, since gentle conduct commends truth more than forceful argument and opponents include Satan and his agents.
Speech is to avoid sharp, harsh, cold, severe, rude, needlessly severe or hurtful words, and to be tender and careful of one another's feelings with no resentful word or action, cultivating traits that add to the peace, happiness and healthfulness of others and bearing one another's burdens in the family and beyond. Overstraining the nerves can lead to excited speech that dishonors God, so keeping them healthy helps maintain calm speech, and every Christian is to train under Bible rules so work is free from selfishness and carelessness, endures for time and eternity, blesses others in cooperation with divine intelligences, and shines as light to guide those in danger of missing the way through temptation. True laborers need wisdom from above with grace mingled in all work, a shrewdness joined to harmlessness that avoids giving offense or pain of heart, yet still admonishes one another when needed, with no one professing sanctifying truth taking offense easily but laying aside sensitiveness and jealousy while pleading for divine help, speaking the right word at the right time whether the occasion looks fitting or not. It is the test of true discipleship by work for fallen men among hostile surroundings, and professed believers cannot stand with little concern for their welfare or with benevolent thoughts alone but must awaken to act now because time passes and whole communities are unwarned.
Fulfilling it takes both work through publications and direct personal effort to reach those publications cannot reach, going outside the churches to warn unbelievers, with fruit following obedience, as churches wake and ministers clothe themselves with zeal to carry the message due at this time. The words spoken to the first disciples remain the rule for every church member in proclaiming the third angel's message, requiring active and decided earnestness, improving every opportunity to increase usefulness, not letting Satan hold back full powers from God's service, and laboring with dignity and confidence yet humble dependence, exercising wisdom in all ways while working in His name and fear with true godliness, knowledge of the Word and unfeigned faith. Mere profession of faith saves no soul; a person must continue in the faith to the end. Confidence is not to be placed in men, even men who have occupied positions of trust, when they are not under sanctification of the Spirit, for they will prove unreliable, while the Lord will be with His people as long as they will be with Him.
Persecution and End-Time Trial
When handed over to councils, scourged in synagogues, brought before governors and kings as a testimony, betrayed even by brother, father and children unto death, and hated for His name, those sent are to take no anxious thought beforehand how or what to speak, for it will be given in that same hour, since it is not they that speak but the Spirit of the Father speaking in them, and he who endures to the end shall be saved. Their suffering and rejection mirror their Master, for the disciple is not above his master, and if the Master is slandered His household will be too. In the time of the end this calls workers to keep life hidden with Christ in God and, when lacking wisdom, to take the matter to the Lord in prayer for Him to direct their paths.
When persecuted in one city they are to withdraw to another, as Christ Himself left cities where He was opposed, continuing until the Son of man comes. They are to endure hatred for His sake and avoid needlessly sacrificing life, moving quietly and discreetly so the work is not destroyed. This requires the Holy Spirit's power to avoid being rash and inconsiderate, creating prejudice and hatred, and giving occasion for lies, mobs, and the closing of the field, laboring carefully and peaceably in hostile territory.
They must beware of men, be wide-awake, and pray earnestly to the Lord for correct judgment when surrounded by hostile power and misleading influence, even among leaders, and when the outcome is unknown. They are to show full courage without presumption or boldness in human strength, finding relief by casting all care upon Jesus. They must speak no unadvised word to stir opposition, take no action that deepens enmity, move with well-balanced minds while holding aloft the banner of truth in the footsteps of Jesus, and not create persecution by unwise actions. Caution in expression is the positive duty of every gifted and prominent believer, lest inexperienced hearers catch indiscreet words and repeat them in an improper spirit that does much harm and leads astray, and caution extends to what is publicly published so opponents are not given material to hinder the work.
In the setting of councils and scourging they should be alert to hostile people, for apostate workers deceived by Satan will perform signs and miracles seeking to mislead even the elect, while those who stand at Christ's coming will uphold every part of the truth that distinguishes them from the world. When final movements are rapid and agencies of darkness are secretly strengthening for the last great crisis, wisdom means being quickened by the Holy Spirit to discern what is transpiring, to understand the true nature of things, and not to be ignorant of Satan's devices. It is shown by constant watchfulness, unceasing prayer, an eye single to the glory of God, being weighted with truth, having Christ's love for souls in the heart, with works corresponding to great light and a character far above the world in unselfishness, liberality, self-denial, goodness and mercy, and wide-awake usefulness in relieving suffering humanity.
In the short limited time left before religious liberty ends in the land of boasted freedom, the law of God is made void, and the contest over the Sabbath question agitates the whole world, wisdom and harmlessness mean coming to the help of the Lord against the mighty by enlightening the many who do not understand the prophecies relating to these days and doing the duty of watchmen to give the trumpet a certain sound, crying aloud to show God's people their transgression. In 1895 many who professed to know God were still failing to show this wisdom and harmlessness, readily adopting a combative manner instead.
Prudent Speech and Presentation
To be wise as serpents and harmless as doves means speaking the truth without suppressing any part of it, yet always with love, tact, kindness, tenderness, compassion, meekness and gentleness. It forbids rudeness, needless severity, harshness, sharpness, coldness, hurtful words, scathing remarks, bitter thrusts, personal attacks and denunciatory speeches, because God's own Word cuts to the heart without such additions. Harsh speech gives Satan an opening to misrepresent the spirit of the workers, arouses malignity and antagonism, closes doors against truth, and can cost opportunities to serve. In other churches this shrewd gentleness gives clear-cut messages with evidences of truth while restraining harshness in word and deed, with feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace and goodwill, working in righteousness, mercy and love so souls are saved and truth triumphs. Plain, positive presentation in Christ's spirit, not raids on other churches or attacks on lawbreakers, commends truth more effectively than forceful argument.
Caution in expression is the positive duty of every gifted and prominent believer, requiring no unadvised or unguarded public word to stir opposition, no action that deepens enmity, and no creating of persecution by unwise actions. Inexperienced hearers catch indiscreet words from truth-bearers and repeat them in an improper spirit that does much harm, leads astray, and provides an example for imitation as from a messenger sent by God. This applies especially in print and public speech, demanding careful examination of ways and spirit, courteous speaking and writing, and avoidance of every sharp thrust and careless, venturesome word. Satan stands ready to treasure up such words and unite satanic agencies with evil men to bring speedy and severe suffering, making restraint the highest obligation. Serpent wisdom here means avoiding words others could use against the cause, while dove harmlessness maintains a gentle, blameless spirit, forbids lording over minds, souls and principles as under human jurisdiction, and forbids readiness to put on the war dress and show oneself. Harshness cannot reach hearts even of the bitterest opponents who have not had the same light and dishonors God, so publications are to be crowded with straightforward truth with humiliation of soul and Christ's meekness and lowliness in giving the invitation.
Wisdom with harmlessness presents truth gradually as hearers can receive it, not forcing all subjects of truth and doctrine at once, since going at people pointedly at the onset closes their ears. It lays aside personal inclination, ideas and plans, modifies methods, varies work for different times and places, and carefully plans what to say and what to leave unsaid. Holding back part of the truth for the right occasion is not deception but gains confidence, removes needless barriers, and prepares people to hear, producing much greater results in winning souls while remaining faithful to the Word and avoiding needless provocation, closed minds, and premature crisis. Having the right to do something does not mean it is always wise or helpful to do it. Even true things may be better left unspoken for the present, so discernment must guide timeliness without abandoning innocence.
When entering new fields this means not presenting the Sabbath first but first dwelling on conscience-arousing subjects, practical godliness, devotion and piety, and the self-denying, self-sacrificing life of Jesus as example. Only after people see the contrast with their self-indulgent, unchristian lives and become dissatisfied are prophecies to be presented and the purity and binding claims of the law of God upon every soul to the end of time to be shown, with God's chosen people arising to defend the law when it is made void and the Christian world joins with the Catholic and the worldly in making of none effect the commandments. Where a community already knows the faith this cautious course is not needed, though personal labor coming close to hearts is still required in every case. Everywhere the work is to avoid running down the churches and giving the idea that the work tears down, but to build up and present truth as it is in Jesus with much dwelling on vital godliness. This cautious course is the same guile Paul used.
Approach to ministers is to be open and fair, treating them as honest men, first becoming acquainted in a friendly and sociable way and laying openly before them the desire to share precious truths from the Word rather than stealing in secretly to take sheep. Conversation begins with matters of general religious interest, even seeking information from them, rather than coming directly and pointedly to disputed truth at first, leaving that for another interview and giving them fair opportunity to be favorable and kind. Such careful, prayerful, Christlike effort, beginning with shared interests, can win a minister's confidence and influence others while leaving truth unhidden and unashamed. Rulers and authorities are likewise to be approached tactfully, seeking every suitable opportunity to become acquainted and make the work known without provoking needless prejudice. Practical Christian help shows concern for others and makes hearts more open, presenting Christ rather than abruptly pressing the Sabbath, and lifting Christ higher if Adventist identity draws opposition, while avoiding rash, unguarded or provocative actions yet continuing faithful witness.
Knowing how and when to send out God-given messages belongs to this wisdom, holding back already-written truth with nothing blotted out or left out until a special emergency it meets arises, then bringing it forward with strong evidence and proof. The lamps are kept in the pitchers until divine orders come to break the pitchers and let the light shine, and when the Lord speaks His workers hear and obey. When doctrinal differences arise they are to be repressed rather than made apparent before students or in papers, especially at sensitive or untimely times. Even full conviction that one's ideas of doctrine are sound does not make publication wise, for to publish differences departs from God's positive directions, does only harm, and sets an example licensing others to bring their own ideas and theories before the public. Discreet silence also guards private institutional matters, not opening up all concerning the beginning of the Madison work nor telling everybody everything about Nashville and Madison, refusing to make public things of a private character and keeping them within a special few instead of trying to make all understand everything. Publishing plans, such as moving publishing work from Battle Creek, are kept confidential when disclosure would invite interference, without abandoning the work or acting with malice, because some in positions of trust may not stand the test and some will depart to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.
Faithful Work in Practice
Faithful work means holding back even from what is lawful and rightful when doing it would stir needless prejudice, shut minds against truth, obstruct help to souls, or hinder the advance of the work, for what is lawful is not always expedient. Discreet restraint gives enemies no occasion to blaspheme or reproach, avoids rash extremes and premature crisis, follows the Spirit's direction, and presents truth gradually as hearers can bear it while remaining fully faithful to the Word. Refraining from Sunday work to advance the work in such a setting does not mean receiving the mark of the beast.
In the Southern field this requires moving quietly and judiciously and leaving the color-line question to rest, agitating it as little as possible, because the time has not come to work as if there were no prejudice. Words and publications must be guarded, for careless speaking and ill-advised public statements stir bitterness, prejudice and hatred among whites and blacks, invite lies and mobs, endanger laborers, and close the field so souls cannot be saved. Those unwilling to speak and act with such care should not attempt the work there, and when the work becomes dangerous in one place workers should move to labor in another rather than rashly destroy it. Even things one has a perfect right to do must be left undone if doing them cuts loose from helpers, closes the door to laborers in the South, and hinders saving souls in a world to be saved.
Canvassers sent as sheep among wolves show wisdom joined with harmlessness by speaking modestly and discreetly, engaging in no controversy, feeling on trial before the heavenly universe, recognizing precious souls ripe for harvest, and proving by life and speech that they are Bible students and representatives of the Lord. The same sending commissions house-to-house preaching in the line of Bible readings, bringing peace into houses and using judgment and discrimination about the worthiness of the master of the house. Provision by the house tests where to give time and instruction, and precious strength and time are not to be wasted where labor would produce no good result. Where hearers will not receive or hear, workers leave and shake off the dust, leaving that city to a judgment more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, beware of men, and expect councils and scourging in the fullest sense.
Among the sick the same blend means tender love, judicious forbearance, and wise restraint, without displaying intense anxiety for understanding and acceptance. No testing point is to be forced, no sharp point always made in argument, and no strongest proofs pressed lest hearers suspect mere effort to convert; workers wait for inquiry, let example and words and works teach, let the simple Word speak and convince, trust God to impress the heart, and refuse controversy with opposing parties. Those who have apostatized are to be dealt with kindly yet without compromise, giving no occasion for good to be evil spoken of or for truth to be misrepresented.
In dealing with Dr. Kellogg, discernment without malice or needless injury means avoiding words or actions that drive to desperation or hasten crisis, walking humbly, leaving room for repentance, and allowing the Spirit to work on minds and God to direct events. His own wise and harmless connections with the medical community outside the church helped reduce the use of drugs and introduce natural remedies without attacking others.
Men in high places, worldly men, Gentiles, and even idolaters are to be approached wisely and harmlessly, acquainting them with the work as the best and greatest enterprise in the world, acting as having a right to expect help, and giving them opportunity to bestow favors, open avenues for truth, and advance the cause. Leaders are to bide their time, hide in Christ, and not provoke needless conflict with authorities and powers over means nor bind up means God would have set free, for His restraining hand is not yet withdrawn from the earth. Since God has placed His goods in the hands of unbelievers for a fallen world and moves upon their minds to do many things for His people, far more favors and gifts may be received through agents without sympathy, faith, or obedience, and what they give of their abundance for God's work is not to be refused, while no principle of truth is sacrificed and workers remain in the world but not of it.
In securing country properties for sanitariums, schools, and outpost centers, prudence without harm means obtaining suitable places with existing advantages at low price, without extravagant spending or burdensome debt, then working the neglected cities from those centers. Counsel about laws must be carefully guarded to avoid provoking resistance or obstructing the work, teaching obedience to state laws when they do not conflict with God's law. Applied to laws governing medical practitioners, this means complying where principle is uncompromised, respecting safeguards against unqualified practitioners, and seeking adjustment of requirements that would force a false position.
Staffing a health institution joins shrewd foresight with gentle blamelessness by refusing to hire feeble, cheap, or sickly workers for board and treatment to save money, since they prove most expensive in the end, fail when most needed, burden others, fill places needed for healthy helpers, and drive patrons away by bad reports. Helpers are given fair opportunity to learn truth, then those showing no disposition to receive it are removed because they will be used to work against the institution, keeping only those who are a credit to it. The spiritually blind are to be led with patient, loving forbearance by tender hearts softened and subdued by God's love, laying aside own spirit and natural, hereditary and cultivated traits with all likes, dislikes, harshness and sharpness so souls are not driven away, placing self in the seeker's place to clear fog and difficulty, yet standing in the battle's forefront as God calls, waiting on the Lord and filled with His Spirit to reach people through God.
Foreign missionary work and teaching require tact and carefully tempered speech dependent on wisdom from angelic agencies, lest unwise speech close access to those needing help. The Holy Spirit alone preserves Christlike kindness and guides methods to persuade students to transforming truth that makes them sons and daughters of God. Workers for sacred work come into close touch and thorough association with temperance-minded people instead of holding distant in pharisaic aloofness, especially Women's Christian Temperance workers and individual members, planning to gain confidence and hearts and giving evidence of true Christianity for mutual benefit until by their own request the way opens to lead them to the Bible and Sabbath light, avoiding wrong lines in so-called medical missionary work.
Teachers and schools are to be approached tactfully with opportunities sought to introduce literature and explain the work, while remaining gentle and without harm. In all practical mission movements wisdom joined with harmlessness under the Holy Spirit's guidance and Christ's ministry of love inspires confidence as led by the Lord, keeps influence as wise counselors, and blesses God's people, requiring books to be handled so as to throw no discredit on publishing houses and give no appearance of taking advantage for personal benefit. Hearts kept in Christ's love answer opposition in ways honoring God and winning souls, adorning doctrine by grace and meekness as outward proof of inward sanctification, without anger toward the spiritually blind once equally blind, removing prejudice by manners, words, and spirit learned in Christ's school without lessening truth by concession and without harshness or coarseness.
Labor in great centers follows the same pattern, appointing strong thoroughly converted men with many young men and women associated with them to labor humbly, show great ingenuity in presenting words of eternal life so souls are reached and converted, and present truth in tenderness that wins hearts. In evil times among hungry wolves and tigers seeking to devour, serpent wisdom with dove harmlessness means knowing how to move, avoiding controversy tending to evil, refusing self-vindication unless positively necessary for God's cause, restraining zeal against opposers, resting the case with the righteous Judge, and controlling the tongue under strong feeling and holding silence by God's Spirit, while God gives power and dignity to pure truth so the honest are not deceived. Dealings are to be fair without taking sharp advantage of outsiders, preserving unity and avoiding plans that discredit others or diminish influence, resisting partial accounts and hostile influence while treating the vulnerable with fairness, sympathy, and care.
Political speech and conduct are to be careful and separate, bringing no reproach on truth nor turning hearers away, keeping silent about political questions unrelated to religious work after Christ's eloquent silence on many subjects. Sensitive matters are handled calmly and discreetly rather than stirring others or publicizing them, and practical mission work keeps needed enterprises in view, visits openings from time to time, takes no steps until assured of the right course, and states intentions plainly to calm fears. Servants act with sound judgment, avoiding unwise zeal or needless limits that obstruct doing good, and as judgment nears strengthen people in Christian experience with clear definite counsel, avoiding Aaron's cowardice in letting wrong proceed unchecked. Where God sends for a purpose, workers go forward quietly to please Him best and do whole duty without shunning conflict, taking no notice of opponents and making no reference to them even where hostile men gather falsehoods, hire halls, watch and take names, and hearers cannot distinguish well-spoken truth from well-spoken error because the devil is active there.
Care in what is publicly published belongs to the same prudence with innocence amid councils and rulers, lest opponents be given material to hinder the work. Those sent with truth involving the destiny of souls must examine ways and spirit, speak and write courteously to the public especially in print, and avoid sharp thrusts and every unwise, careless, venturesome word, because Satan stands ready to treasure such words and unite satanic agencies with evil men to bring speedy and severe suffering upon believers.
Christ With His Messengers
Christ is represented by the saints He sends, so hostility toward His workers opposes Him, and misrepresenting or falsely accusing them is opposition to Him, requiring care and integrity rather than criticism, gossip, or passing on evil reports. He takes men whose course was most offensive to God, even men who felt and said to kill Him thinking they were doing God service, redeems them, loads them with divine favor, changes them to be as lambs, makes them one with Himself, places them in the highest positions of trust, and sends them into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His grace and offer full pardon to all who will turn from sin to God. Those who refuse to accept them and hear the heaven-sent message reject the Lord Jesus Himself, and will hate and persecute them because the world hated and persecuted Him first.
To be wise as serpents and harmless as doves means to represent the divinity and the mercy and compassion of God, following Christ who clothed His divinity with humanity. He came as a little child in poverty to reach and sympathize with humanity and save it, refusing legions of angels, and was rejected by priests and rulers because He did not come as the conquering king they expected. He sends them as lambs among wolves into a world divided between Christ and satanic agencies cast down to earth, where each person must choose which side to be on, having ordained His disciples to carry the gospel from place to place. The charge belongs to everyone in whatever position, for all who will enter heaven will be co-laborers with Jesus Christ, not looking at others to find fault and complain, but lifting the standard in their own house and heart, and by doing that work shutting the door against the enemy.
That character was perfectly blended in Christ, the wisdom of the serpent joined with the harmlessness of the dove, absorbed in saving the lost race, ever showing tender love for the sinner while rebuking sin with severity. The blend meant calmly and deliberately affirming His royal character and speaking of His coming in glory in the clouds of heaven. It meant in the hour of deepest humiliation, when the powers of darkness seemed triumphant, proclaiming Himself the Life-giver. Though apparently the humblest and lowliest of men, it meant declaring that those who had seen Him had seen the Father, thus identifying Himself with God.
On the eve of Gethsemane and the cross He read the disciples' future as an open book and knew He was about to be separated from them and leave them defenseless among deadly enemies ready to tear and devour them. Though He fully sensed His own coming human and divine suffering and soul-agony, as the shepherd of the sheep He did not deceive them with false hope but comforted them against troubled hearts and tried faith. They would suffer persecution for believing He is the anointed One, be put out of the synagogue, be imprisoned and put to death, with Stephen the first to win the martyr's crown. They are sent to carry out their mission in a hostile world, exposed like sheep among wolves, not to be removed from the world but to be kept from its evil, with opposition and persecution as part of their service. Christ promises to help them in trials by bringing His words to their remembrance.