Pigs and Pearls

by Chadwick Brewer

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” (Matthew 7:6).

What a struggle it is to know when and how to apply this verse! How do I know whether I am being a good influence or giving what is holy to dogs? How do I know if I am fighting the good fight of faith or casting my pearls before pigs? Perhaps we can ask some questions:

• Are they seeking or striving for God?
• Are they receptive or appreciative of the light, guidance, or wisdom you are giving?
• Are they changing? Or are they stubborn and obstinate?
• Do they turn and attack you?
• Do they influence you while you are attempting to influence them?

These things are not always clear-cut. Jesus does not make it so. We are to use wisdom. But remember, wisdom guides rather than emotions. This is a struggle because we want to devote our time, effort, and energy to those we love, but our emotions cannot be our guiding light. Love pulls us to care about others, but wisdom must help us decide how to invest ourselves in them.

Jesus does not devote all his time to his unbelieving family nor the unbelieving leaders of the Jews. He did not avoid them or “cut them off,” either, but neither did He devote Himself exclusively to them. He devoted his time and his energies toward those who were going to be changed by the light rather than attack the light. As Jesus points out, not everyone should receive equal amounts of your time, energy, and attention.