What does it mean to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove?

Introduction

Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (I Corinthians 2:16, NIV)

In this discussion, we will explore the delicate balance between a worldly approach and a Christian approach to strategic thinking and business strategies. Whether your business is online, or offline, it is critical to understand why strategic, i.e., wise, thinking forms the backbone of any successful venture.

Having a business plan is great, but it’s not just about having a plan; it’s about sculpting a mindset that’s always several steps ahead, that shapes every decision, every pivot, and every innovation using Christian principles. The Bible tells us, we have the mind of Christ, I Corinthians 2:16. How does it get better than that?

As Christians, we need to be doubly smart, clever, shrewd, and sly. However, understand that our unique brand of wisdom never gives us permission to be crooked or shady. The ‘get it done’ at all costs and at anybody’s expense is the exact opposite of a Christian attitude. The end must almost always justify the means.

We Are Not Doormats

Meekness Is Not Weakness, Just Strength under Control (Unknown)

Much of the world misunderstands the concept of meekness, which is another way to say harmless as a dove, thinking a quiet, acquiescent countenance weak, an arrogant one strong. Meekness demonstrates the idea of strength under control. Imagine a news reporter, beautifully dressed, fully equipped with knowledge and facts, who never abuses his/her strength, or becomes heated and reckless in a confrontive situation. This is the rare beauty of inner strength Jesus speaks of in his Sermon on the Mount.” On how to do things, Jesus is rarely of the same opinion as the brainiacs spouting the 5 o’clock news, nor as the world the world in general.

Jesus tells His followers to exercise whatever wise shrewdness they can to avoid conflict and danger without losing the dove-like innocence that will allow them to continue to proclaim the truth without fear of confrontation. However, it may be a hard balance to keep, especially nowadays, when it seems everyone is in everyone else’s face. It will be necessary to learn self-confidence and to use more wisdom and more self-control for your mission to succeed.

Your online business is your mission. Think of it that way no matter what niche you choose. We are not all called to be pastors, evangelists, or to the mission fields. Some of us are called to wax and buff the floors in Walmart to an extraordinary, brilliant shine. Just remember: And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. . , 

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

It is through Jesus’ teachings we learn the balance of being shrewd yet ethical, moving through digital wolves’ dens of competition, internet bots and scammers trying to steal your stuff, and old-fashioned liars. We work with integrity and foresight. Ours is a strategy that champions prudence and sleuth. And we do not need to compromise our principles.

Plan with Purpose, Passion, and Prayer

Integrating Christian principles into decision-making goes beyond avoiding the obvious pitfalls– you know, like meeting and matching employees’ quarterly taxes; it’s about proactively seeking to do good through your business. This could be as simple as demonstrating truth and grace to your employees by your own examples of respect, fairness, and gratitude.

You may already know your calling. And that means you are several steps ahead. However, if you’re still considering what we online call a niche, choose something that strongly resonates with you and is in keeping with your values, something you are passionate about; and don’t be afraid to change if you need to. If you are like most of us in my online community, Wealthy Affiliate, when you find your passion, you will know it. Then you will find and grow your ideal audience.

Prioritize honesty, transparency, and the utility your products or services offer, modeling your brand as a beacon of timeless virtues. It is as simple as that. And when you are coordinated with God’s plans and Jesus’ way of working them, it’s great fun. Many of you know what I am describing.

Your strategic mindset will become anchored by seeking God’s guidance, not just profit margins and market share. Navigating the complex web of internet businesses needs the foundational rocks of prayer and Bible study. These are the keys to finding your steps ordered in righteousness and your plans aligned with a higher purpose. ( The Value of Prayer in Your Online Business )

Prosper While Doing Good

In a broad sense, I speak today about our business being like our mission. Soon, in more hands-on, detailed articles, I will teach you, or show you where to learn, about subjects like mission statements, business plans, branding, marketing, PPC Advertising, and much more I can’t think of right now.

Guiding Light

But for the moment, think of it like this: your mission statement is your North Star, guiding you through the dark and keeping you on track. The Bible reminds us that God has plans for us, plans of prosperity and not of harm. This should mirror how you envision your business mission – it’s about prospering while doing good.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Scriptural insights inspire purpose-driven business strategies. Taking cues from biblical teachings helps ensure that our business actions align with a higher purpose. It’s not just about profits; it’s about positive impact, stewardship, and service. It’s about asking the question: How does my e-business serve God’s plan and His people?

When your mission is clear and you know your why, you will have a framework on which to navigate the competitive online business world. The rock of your faith will ground your business decisions. Proverbs 3:6 says: In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Let that be a guide for your business trajectory.

TRUST

Do you choose products and services that you trust? Of course, you do. Reverse this thought and think about what you can offer in the business sense that will create trust in the recipient. The harmony between your business mission and scriptural teachings brings about a kind of integrity and warmth to your brand that people notice. Customers today seek authenticity and ethics in their transactions, more than ever; and this offers we Christians new opportunities to stand out from the crowd.

In keeping with Christian values, establishing a trustworthy online presence is pivotal. Foster transparency and ethical practices in all your digital engagements, reflecting a commitment to truth as taught in the Bible.

When you anchor your business strategy in these scriptural truths, you lay a solid groundwork that not only aids in earthly success but aligns with eternal principles.

Adaptive Leadership and Continuous Learning

Adaptive leadership isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a crucial skill for anyone navigating the ever-changing landscape of any business, even one without employees, which many working online don’t have. As a leader in this space, you’re going to have to dance with unpredictability and make on-the-fly decisions that could reshape your strategy. This is where the concept of being sharp and flexible, relatable to Matthew 10:16, really comes to life.

FUTURE CHRISTIAN LEADER

Don’t worry too much about executing your strategy perfectly from the get-go. Remember, your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last. Instead, focus on creating a culture of continuous learning. That means seeking wisdom like the writer of Proverbs 1:5, who reminds us to ‘let the wise listen and add to their learning.’ Your strategy can, and should, evolve with every new piece of knowledge and understanding you gain along the way.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, (Proverbs 1:15, NIV)

Integrating faith into business leadership is about more than personal convictions; it’s about bringing a sense of purpose and accountability to your operations. By doing so, you’re committing to ethical decisions that reflect Christian values, creating not just a profitable business but one that contributes positively to the lives it touches.

So how do you apply this in the real world? Use feedback and analytics to hone your strategy.

I hope to accomplish this here, thus I encourage your feedback. By your comments below, I can measure how well I am doing in supplying material that interests you, that you find useful, and you want to read. And in this manner, I can tweak and fine-tune my website and blog content until we reach a desired level of success together.

As to analytics, I will soon devote an article to the subject of SEO (search engine optimization). Watch for it.

But here’s a twist: when evaluating success, include measures that reflect the integrity and honesty of your business practices. This concept is a hard one to wrap your head around. Consider Hobby Lobby. It closes on Sundays, and they received severe opposition because of it, but won out in the end. I wonder what the numbers look like. I’m going to research that and see.

See, I/we look at things differently. I call this wearing “rose-colored glasses“. And I have felt like this since age 10, when I accepted the preacher’s invitation in a revival tent to choose Jesus Christ as my lifelong Lord, Savior, and Leader, though I didn’t know how to express it then. It is a delightful story, and I will share it here one of these days.

Innovating With Intent: Sustaining Competitive Advantage Through a Christian Lens

First, innovation isn’t all about staying ahead of the curve. As we look through our lens, our rose-colored glasses, it becomes a beacon of trust and excellence for our customers in an often-murky digital world. We don’t need to compare our progress or success to others. If we are the best in a manner that aligns with our faith and values, we will be the best. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches us that it’s not what we have but what we do with what we have that matters. In e-business, this translates to responsibly leveraging technology and insights to deliver value to customers while being faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

MURKY DIGITAL WORLD

Innovation in e-business requires a careful balance between cutting-edge strategies and the unwavering Christian principles of honesty, equity, and service. Just as the noble character of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:31 brings her praise, so too can your business earn respect by innovating with integrity. Don’t shy away from new ideas; rather, assess them through the lens of your faith.

What does the metaphor of as wise as a serpent mean? Christ’s mandate to us that we become “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” implies that we must develop discernment, the ability to detect motivation and the spirits that motivate.

Excellence is the hallmark of any endeavor that seeks to glorify God, and in the world of e-business, or any business, it’s paramount. By aiming for excellence in usability, customer service, and ethical business practices, we reflect God’s excellence in our work. Remember, quality and innovation aren’t just business goals; they’re acts of worship when done in His name.

To wrap up, consider the stories of Christian-led e-businesses that have charted new territories yet remained steadfast in their missions. (I refer again to Hobby Lobby and there are others, of course. I shall speak of them soon.) These organizations are beacons, showing us that with a strategic mindset grounded in biblical principles, it’s possible to revolutionize an industry while upholding Christian values. May your e-business journey be rewarding and may it contribute to a legacy that honors both the marketplace and the Kingdom of God.

Thank you for reading.