Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Jesus taught many subjects, some of which consumed several verses. Some are just one statement. This verse is one of those. If you’re not saved, think about your soul. Accept Jesus as Savior. He is the most precious possession you’ll ever have.
Taking something valuable that we treasure and throwing it away is absurd. We wouldn’t dare throw a valuable diamond out to the dogs or the hogs. They wouldn’t care about it. They certainly wouldn’t wear it. This is a good lesson for us.
The Jews listening to the Sermon on the Mount knew what Jesus was talking about. He was taking them back to where God wanted. He was telling them not to reduce God to a religion to be observed. Live for him in a personal, practical sense. For us it means that those who come across our path and go against us because we’re Christians, those who put down the Bible and sin, are not to be argued with. You will never debate someone to the altar to be saved. When I was saved, someone witnessed from a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s an insult when we treat Jesus as a topic.
People may approach you as if you’re just another religious person belonging to one of many religious groups in the world. Many view Christianity that way. Time after time I’ve seen young people raised in church and grounded go off to college. They take a religion class to enhance their relationship with the Lord. That’s far from what happens. The professors teach that Jesus was just a man. They reduce the meaning of the Bible. The students become a target when they try to defend what they believe. Those against the gospel will automatically make you a target of ridicule and debate. Don’t get in the flesh when people come at you like dogs or swine. Don’t cast your pearls against them. Never argue or debate the gospel. We’re not called to do that; we’re not to get mad or try to outdo others. We’re called to witness of our relationship with Jesus. Meet altercations with love. You can be versed in the scripture, but if others don’t see Jesus in your life, it won’t help. You will never force anyone to Jesus. You can only lead them by your testimony—when others see the light of Jesus in your life. Don’t cast your pearls before swine.
Jesus is the pearl of great price. When we take him as Savior, we’ve done more than join a movement or church. We’ve been saved by the blood of the crucified one. Don’t let what others do or say to you affect you. Keep your pearls shined. Wear them visibly. Openly cherish the Lord. Let your knowledge of the Bible show. We may be able to quote lots of things with our mouth, but we need to show the Lord by our life. Don’t respond in anger when someone comes against you for being a Christian. Jude tells us to contend for the faith, but that doesn’t mean fight. It means to stand in the Lord and be who you are regardless of what others do.
Your life for God should be able to speak for itself. In the face of those against the gospel, success won’t come from arguing but by showing the truth in love. Pearls are not to be cast down. You wear them so others can see them. The witness from your mouth will be your last avenue to share the Lord. Before we ever talk to someone about the Lord, we must show them the Lord by the way we live. Romans 12:1 says I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. We can talk Christianity and the Bible, but if we turn around and are conformed to the world, we destroy everything we say with our mouth.
This was a caution. Keep Jesus precious. Be who he made you to be. Let him shine in your life. Don’t dare cast your relationship aside and be ashamed. If someone stands in opposition against you, remember they are probably lost. The devil is behind it. He makes critics of Christianity. Wear the pearls so they can be seen by others. Your mission in life is not to outdo someone in a conversation or win a debate. You don’t argue Jesus; you witness for him. When you’re called upon for an answer, be ready, but not to beat someone at something as if in a contest.
Souls are dying and going to hell. We must wear the pearls wisely. Show others a Savior who forgives sins. It’s easy to argue because that’s our human nature. We all have faults, but we must draw closer to the Lord and grow in grace and knowledge of his Word so the lost can see Jesus in us. The closer we are to the Lord, the better others will see us as a true child of God. Don’t be stereotyped or categorized. Some are and rightly so because of the way they act. A lack of closeness with the Lord will do that. The closer we are, the more we’ll know what to do with our pearls. When a stone is thrown at you, don’t try to clobber others with the pearls. Don’t cast the pearls at their feet. They will trample it and tear you apart. The devil would love to tear you to pieces.
Never treat Jesus as a religious object; treat him as the Lord of your life. When we do this, we’ll be able to help someone out of the hog pen. Instead of arguing with others, pray for them. You’ll never win others with your fist; it will come through prayer and showing the love of God to them.
What are you doing with your pearls? Are you wearing them well?
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 