Jesus said, "The Pharisees and the scholars have taken the keys of knowledge and have hidden them. They have not entered nor have they allowed those who want to enter to do so. As for you, be as sly as snakes and as simple as doves." (39 Thomas)

In Matthew's gospel these are two widely separated teachings. I find the combination in Thomas helpful and meaningful.

In Matthew 10:16 we read, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." But the wolves are not specified.

Above Jesus seems to target the wolves as those who have hidden the keys of knowledge. To reclaim the keys of knowledge we are encouraged to paradox.

We are to be as shrewd, sophisticated, anc stealthy as a serpent: the most common symbol of satan. But we are to do so with the innocence of a common symbol for the Holy Spirit.

Does this suggest the ends justify the means? I don't pretend to be sure. I am certain this is treacherous ground.

In the Garden with Eve and in the Wilderness with Jesus - perhaps scripture's most complete accounts of satan - the means employed are psychological persuasion.

In each setting the adversary encourages self-assertion and self-glorification. Eve succumbs. Jesus successfully resists through self-sacrifice and glorification of God.

When we encounter wolves - individuals who are greedy and selfish - we are allowed, even encouraged - to use these unfortunate motivations to advance God's intention.

But for us to avoid being trapped in our own shrewd snare we must be very careful that we deploy these persusasive tools in a spirit of self-sacrifice and service to God.