Serpents and Doves Part II

"Wise as Serpents"
Gen 3:1:
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. All throughout scripture and history the serpent is a symbol of wickedness and trickery. No doubt a reputation gained from what immediately transpires in the verses following the above notation.

I have spent a lot of time observing snakes in their natural environment, which curiously enough is mostly dense, open field. I'm currently on a mission to catch a "smooth grass snake" in the northern Illinois region. They are a rarity this far north, but they are a beautiful snake with a brilliant jade to emerald green coloration. Very hard to spot in any type of grass. Snakes are masters at observation, waiting, and ambushing - all attributes shared by our enemy, Satan.
Pound for pound, snakes are masters of the hunt, and very, very, clever.

If we are wise as serpents, we are as smart as our enemy. If you are as smart as your enemy, you know all of his tactics; you know his nature and it is impossible for him to surprise you or catch you unaware. It is impossible for him to use you. John 14:30-31 Jesus says this "I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in me" 31) But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, so I do . Arise, let us go from here.

Satan had no sway over the actions or mortality of Christ. Christ reigned by subjection to the Father.To be as wise as your enemy but reckoned as a sacrifice to God. After all, obedience is better than sacrifice. You now become the ultimate weapon. You become a dwelling place for the living God, called according to His purposes. The bible tells us not to ignorant of the enemies devices.And you become the image-bearer of what every person needs and wants: Jesus Christ.To take up our cross is to take up arms against the work of Satan in our lives and others. Christ in us is the hope of glory.
God, help me to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.