Being Serpent-Wise
(c) By: Sharon Slaton Howell
Wherever a person goes,
whatever he happens to do,
he needs, I find, Jesus' words
to have guidelines true.
In Matthew 1016*, for instance,
Jesus shows his followers how
to intereact with others
in the necessary here and now,
something one does not
always pick up in school,
but absolutely must have
to avoid being a fool.
So easy at times to do
the harmless, loving part.
But exhibit always
a watchful, prudent heart?
This our Master's command
is helping me cultivate,
which how often--obeying--
gave warning before too late.
Learning to listen to God
as dear Jesus always did,
one will less and less find
that his steps have slid.
Essential is the wisdom of our
Father--the One great Mind,
in order to be the greatest
blessing we can to mankind.
*Be ye therefore wise as serpents,
and harmless as doves."
