Protect yourself from harm in a holy manner

Jesus taught those sent to spread his kingdom message that there would be those who wanted to harm them... so they should be "shrewd, yet holy."

Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves."

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to be shrewedly aware, yet holy in our actions toward those who want to harm us?

Note: Serpent were considered shrewd and wise in the Middle East.  Doves were considered innocent, harmless, and pure.  Two things to note:

• Being "shrewed and wise" can easily degenerate into manipulation and violence unless it is seasoned with purity.
• Being "pure, harmless, and innocent" can easily degenerate into becoming a naive victim unless combined with shrewed wisdom.

Jesus wanted his disciples to be aware that he was sending them into harm's way and to take care of themselves in the midst of people who want to harm them, BUT to never to cross the line of holy behavior.