By Rev. Aidan Moon

Wisdom vs. Fear

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.“

-Matthew 10:16, English Standard Version

There’s a fine line in parenting between teaching your kids to be wise and teaching them to be afraid. The relationship we have with something like a snake is a prime example of this. Last week, my boys discovered this little fellow in our backyard. They were fascinated and curious. Our initial conversation was about giving snakes some space, because even if this snake is harmless, not all are, and I don’t want them to get too comfortable around them. But, not too long after, our three-year-old was crying to us that his baby brother was looking at the snake, and that he was getting too close. While I appreciate his care for his younger brother’s safety, the reaction was a bit over the top – his fear was clear. I had sought to instill wise caution (a good thing) but our cautious kiddo had internalized that as fear.

This is the struggle, isn’t it? Life can be scary. There are risks, and we shouldn’t be naive about those risks. Part of growth is also gaining respect for the dangers of life. But at the same time, we are not called to live in fear. Jesus is pretty clear in this passage about the dangers his disciples would face – they are being called to be meek and patient, kind and compassionate, yet they are going into a world that just might chew them up and spit them out. But Jesus doesn’t teach his disciples to fear this, but to face it with wisdom and innocence. Jesus says to be wise and discerning. But not to lose their  innocence. For my boys, I’d hate for them to lose their boyish courage and curiosity, even as they grow to appreciate risk. It’s a fine line, and one that we never quite grow out of.

But Jesus will continue to strengthen us even in our fear. We teach our boys to pray “Dear Jesus, help me be brave.” Any risk is put in perspective by Jesus own words:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.“

-Matthew 10:28-31, English Standard Version

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado