DON'T POKE THE BEAR
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.--Matthew 10:16
Let not one word be expressed to stir up the spirit of retaliation in opposers of the truth. Let nothing be done to arouse the dragon-like spirit, for it will reveal itself soon enough, and in all its dragon character, against those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus....
The time will come when we shall be called to stand before kings and rulers, magistrates and powers, in vindication of the truth. Then it will be a surprise to those witnesses to learn that their positions, their words, the very expressions made in a careless manner or thoughtless way, when attacking error or advancing truth, expressions that they had not thought would be remembered, will be reproduced, and they will be confronted with them, and their enemies will have the advantage, putting their own construction on these words that were spoken unadvisedly....
Many things intended to deceive will come, bearing some of the marks of truth. Just as soon as these shall be set forth as the great power of God, Satan is all ready to weave in that which he has prepared to lead souls from the truth for this time. (Letter 66, April 10, 1894)
REFLECTION: Bible-studying Christians have the truth in the Word of God. But we are not to use it as a club to show others where they are wrong. All it will accomplish is a spirit of retaliation. We as Christians want to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" and have the Spirit of Christ.
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.--Matthew 10:16
Let not one word be expressed to stir up the spirit of retaliation in opposers of the truth. Let nothing be done to arouse the dragon-like spirit, for it will reveal itself soon enough, and in all its dragon character, against those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus....
The time will come when we shall be called to stand before kings and rulers, magistrates and powers, in vindication of the truth. Then it will be a surprise to those witnesses to learn that their positions, their words, the very expressions made in a careless manner or thoughtless way, when attacking error or advancing truth, expressions that they had not thought would be remembered, will be reproduced, and they will be confronted with them, and their enemies will have the advantage, putting their own construction on these words that were spoken unadvisedly....
Many things intended to deceive will come, bearing some of the marks of truth. Just as soon as these shall be set forth as the great power of God, Satan is all ready to weave in that which he has prepared to lead souls from the truth for this time. (Letter 66, April 10, 1894)
REFLECTION: Bible-studying Christians have the truth in the Word of God. But we are not to use it as a club to show others where they are wrong. All it will accomplish is a spirit of retaliation. We as Christians want to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" and have the Spirit of Christ.
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