How many times each week do you feel tense about what to say in a difficult situation? Jesus charges us, “Do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will he given you in that hour what you are to say” (Matt. 10:19). We all face hostile, litigious, and intimidating situations that occasion anxiety.

Jesus anticipates this. “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matt. 10:16). Our society is litigious. Litigation is not bad in itself. However, ecclesiastical court is intimidating. Jesus warns, “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues” (v. 17). Civil actions are equally intimidating. “And you will even he brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles” (v. 18).

Hostility arises in families. Brothers and sisters face off. Children challenge parents. Parents denigrate children. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to he put to death” (Matt. 10:21). Hostility is often specifically religious. “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved” (v. 22).

Jesus gives a basic principle to apply in hostile, litigious, and intimidating circumstances. “Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16). To be wise as serpents requires preparation and study. We must learn the thinking of our opposition. We live in a different world, a postmodern world, with superstition, interest in the spiritual and super natural, and a lack of commitment to absolutes. We must solidify our own positions. Memorizing the Westminster Shorter Catechism provides a wonderful systematic biblical base for our thinking. A recent Sterling College graduate confessed the best thing she did during her college days was to learn the catechism. It gave her a framework for thinking.

To be innocent as doves we must be upright, righteous, and loving. We must be above reproach and above sin. Being does not mean being weak. Moses was meek; he was not weak. He stood up to Pharaoh. He was also righteous and innocent. On his own he was inadequate for the task and unable to speak; with God’s grace and power he was equal to whatever challenge or challenger faced him. Being wise as serpents and innocent as doves also means knowing ourselves. We must know our strengths and weaknesses, our gifts and abilities. We should use our strengths and allow others to carry the load where we will stumble. The church is a body, with all the parts working together for a goal.

Remember the charge of Jesus? “Do not worry about how or what you are to say.” We apply the principle of Jesus in combatting worry. Peter and Paul are excellent examples. Paul reminds us, “Do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:14-15).

As already mentioned, being ready requires preparation and practice. Peter walked with Jesus three years. He passed through a crucible of training and testing. Only then did he stand up in the Jewish courts unafraid, without anxiety. The Holy Spirit speaks out of such a reservoir of preparation. Our hearts especially must be prepared.

How do we face anxiety? We know our opposition. We know our own positions. We know ourselves. We study. We prepare our minds and hearts. We know God and trust Him. We become wise as serpents but as harmless as doves.