Crafty as Serpents, Innocent as Doves

Jesus asked his disciples to go out into the world and be crafty as serpents but innocent as doves.

Well, this phrase reminded me of how little Maximus can be even as a little baby he is. In his 7 months, Maximus has got a handful of "tricks" and actions. Starting from being able to crawl on his tummy although going backward till making lots of sounds and having 2 teeth, his actions are full with amazement and "craftiness". Yet, he is still an innocent baby like doves. I reflected on this phrase while reading a biblical graphic novel about Jesus the Messiah. So decided to write about how Maximus can behave as "crafty as serpents and innocent as doves.

From Maximus's action being able to crawl on his tummy. We will encourage him to move by placing a toy in front of him. Although he only goes backward he will eventually turn and toss himself to get the toy. He has his objective and indeed he sticks to it till he achieved it. Along the way, he does try to get a little help by making his "manja" sound and whine to get our attention but when we ignored he will continue on his own accord to achieve his target. It's rather crafty when he tries to get attention but it was such an innocent act too.

Most of his actions reflected to the phrase. When he is teething, he will grab hold of our fingers to bite but never his. He will only bite his fingers when he has his napkin to cover with... he will burst and blow bubbles whenever he is full or refusing to eat anymore. His movements are fast – he is quick to grab, snatch or "hit-away" anything. A 7 months baby, acting in the description of the phrase "crafty as serpents, innocent as doves." It does really amaze me seeing their actions and always wondering what is in babies' mind. "What can he be thinking?" – this is what goes into our mind as parents.

Each time when he gets a book, he will flip, turn, hit on it and into his mouth. He even look at pictures in the book, or stop to look at some advertisements (with song) in TV and when he does that he does it with all his full concentration. Wow! A 7-months baby!!! So, we shouldn't underestimate these little ones created by God. Such innocent one like doves but their actions can be as crafty as serpents.

Most importantly is how the upbringing is! I am sure with the right upbringing and education, this innocent one will turn up wise. I do hope that Maximus will continue to be as innocent as doves even in this world of bad influence now and in the close future.

Lord Jesus, thank you for such blessing. I pray for wisdom to be upon Jin and me as we bring up our Maximus. We pray that Maximus will grow up to be as innocent as doves but crafty as serpents in the world. Allow him to experience Your goodness in this world yet look upon You as the heavenly Father. In Jesus' name I pray.