Day 16 — Wise and Innocent

“Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

— Matthew 10:16 (BSB)

When Jesus sent out His disciples to tell people about God’s kingdom, He gave them some interesting advice. He said they would be like “sheep among wolves.” Not everyone would be kind to them. Some people would try to hurt them or trick them.

So He told them to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Those are two very different animals! A snake is shrewd, which means clever, careful and aware of danger. A dove is innocent, which means pure, gentle and not trying to hurt anyone.

Jesus wanted His followers to be both: smart about danger, but still pure and kind.

That’s great advice for the online world. The internet can be a wonderful place. You can learn, create, laugh and connect with family and friends. But there are also wolves online: people who pretend to be someone they’re not, people who try to trick kids, and people who are cruel.

Here’s how to be shrewd online:

• Never share personal information like your full name, address, school, phone number or passwords with people you don’t know.
• Remember that people online aren’t always who they say they are. Someone who says they’re a kid your age might not be.
• Never agree to meet someone in person that you only know online.
• If someone online asks you to keep secrets, send pictures or do something that makes you uncomfortable, stop and tell a parent or trusted adult right away. You won’t be in trouble.
• Think before you post. Once something is online, it can be very hard to take back.

And here’s how to be innocent online:

• Be kind. Don’t write mean comments or join in when others are being cruel.
• Don’t look at things that aren’t good for you. (Remember what we learned about guarding your eyes.)
• Be the same person online as you are in real life.
• Use your screen for good, like encouraging friends and sharing things that are true and helpful.

Jesus doesn’t want you to be afraid. He wants you to be wise. And He’s with you everywhere, even online.

Think about it: Why do you think Jesus wanted His followers to be both “shrewd” and “innocent”? Which is harder for you online?

Try this: Sit down with a parent and talk about online safety. Make a family plan together for what to do if something online ever makes you uncomfortable.

Dear Jesus, help me be as shrewd as a snake and as innocent as a dove. Give me wisdom to stay safe online and in real life. Help me be kind and pure in everything I say and do, and help me tell a grown-up if something doesn’t feel right. In Your name, Amen.