To Be or Not to Be, That is the Question: Be Wise and Be Innocent at the Same Time. Part Three- Innocent as Doves.

Innocent does not mean ignorance. JESUS told HIS Disciples, in Matthew 10, to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. We know that children are considered innocent, in that they are not always accountable for their mistakes. They are still learning, still growing, still maturing. JESUS said, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child shall not enter it.” Mark 10:15 The quality of a little child is what has allowed us to be brought into CHRIST’S Kingdom, newly born, made blameless in HIS sight by HIS OWN blood. We come to JESUS in meekness and full humility. We come to JESUS with pure acceptance, with arms open wide. Even though we must mature in CHRIST, we never lose that quality of innocence. Paul wrote, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of GOD without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the WORD of LIFE, so that in the day of CHRIST I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16 Grumbling and disputing is the product of pride and selfishness. This is not the kind of pride Paul was speaking of. His pride was in the results of his work IN CHRIST as HIS humble servant. We’re talking about the kind of pride that looks down on others who we consider ‘Less Holy than I am’ or ‘Not up to my standards.’ Again, innocent does not mean ignorant. It takes wisdom to navigate through all the distractions, false doctrines, and temptations. Wisdom is the Path of Innocence. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 As we walk the road from Earth to Heaven, let us walk it as true children of GOD. Let us strive to be blameless. Let us strive to shine as lights in this dark world. Let us be innocent as doves.

Russell Ashby