April 6

Doormats

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. There- fore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-25

Song: “We Fall Down”

Doormats come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Many say “Welcome,” while one I have seen says “Dog Hiding in Bushes Be- hind You.” But overall doormats do nothing more than just lay out there in the weather to greet people as they arrive. They also supply a good place to wipe off the dirt of the day, but still say welcome to the next person with muddy shoes.

Christians also come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. We are often in the place of doormats, out there in the world to en- courage and give people a greeting of hope. And at times we might also feel like a doormat—vulnerable to getting stepped on. It is in these places that we look less at the people who we think might be stepping on us and look to God. Jesus is there with us to help us deal with the world. He can help us be kind, merciful, loving, and forgiving. He also helps us be wise and shrewd. He did not design us to hold other’s dirt, He will deal with that. We can look to Him for the words and actions that will represent Him to the world in truth and love.

Jesus, help me to be discerning; to know when to speak and when to be still. Help me to be as shrewd as a snake and as innocent as a dove. Show me how to represent You to all who You bring across my path. In Your name, amen.