Pearls and Swine
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Labels: religion, witnessing 5 commentsFor all you Biblical scholars out there, I would like to know your position on Matthew 7:6 and contrast it to Matthew 5:44.
Matthew 7:6 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you"
I believe the difference is our actions between enemies compared to the gospel and unbelievers. I think of this verse because I was reading about a creation vs evolution debate. I also remember watching part of a debate that Timm told me about and was shocked at the pure hatred of the word of God. Should Christians be more careful about this? How do you interpret this verse about casting your pearls?
I will also mention Matthew 13:58 "Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief."
I have a verse to add to this and this is where my thoughts are with a balance between the two.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-5
10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.
12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.
13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
I will try to write more later... My husband and I are stuck in a snow storm and we are trying to get a bunch of stuff done, in case we lose power. :)
I think there are a couple big differences here. First, Matt 7:6 is not talking about our enemies.. Its talking about people that will waste, and not recognize what is "holy".
The second verse is talking about our enemies. It is saying to live as an example, because those who hate christians, may learn to love a true believer.
The last verse is pretty obvious to me. Christ healed those who believed in Him.If they didnt believe, they had no faith, He didn't heal them.
If they don't want what is offered, they will attack you for offering it. It's the "How dare you insult me by saying I need help!" mentality.
Jesus came for broken people. Not those who are 'okay' so to speak.
There are some people who are what I call black holes. When they are absorbing EVERYTHING you have and there is no change, it is time to move on with those people.
However, we need to help people out. A woman, in my parents' church, lost her husband and had a farm to run and a ton of children. The church helped her get back on her feet, and that took some time. She went on to marry a farmer, who had lost his wife, and they are living happily ever after. That is what the church should be doing. However, when it becomes a host to a bunch of parasites, something has to change. A believer or group of believers cannot help everyone. We need to focus on those who "really" need help, instead of being sucked dry by those who are just trying to slide through life on the backs of others.
To me, it is a lot like ministering/witnessing to others. You can't witness to everyone, and to spend ALL of your time on one person who is not going to repent and takes up all your time and energy, is casting your pearls before swine. Pray for that person and move on to someone else who isn't going to run you into the ground constantly. If that first person comes back to you seeking, then talk to him, but don't continue beating yourself into the ground trying to change that one person's heart, who is unwilling to see, when there are others who may be searching for the truth.
Could you add Students for Life of Michigan's blog to your website? www.SFLMichigan.org. We are a statewide organization for pro-life college students in Michigan. Thanks!