Pearls and Pigs

CONSIDER
Many people are surprised to learn that Jesus taught there are times we are to “treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector" (Matt. 18:17). In those days, if a corrupt tax collector saw you on the street and said you owed $10,000 in taxes, you would be required to pay or you would be put in jail. So the corrupt tax collectors were avoided with extreme measures. It would not be uncommon for people to walk on the other side of the street with eyes down in order to circumvent any contact. Can you believe Jesus would actually promote such conduct?

BIBLE TRUTH
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you” (Matt. 7:6 NLT).

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?
Yes, there are actually times when we should make wide circles to steer clear of people. But as we are addressing these situations that cause anger to us and to God, we ultimately must grieve the truth and forgive the debt. God is the final authority, and it is His job to see that the appropriate judgment is satisfied. We must yield to His way and give up our will in all areas of our lives.

PRAYER
God, I humble myself before You. Enable me to resist the devil, so he will flee from me. I desire to come close to You, so You will come close to me. I wash my hands, because I know I am a sinner; please purify my heart, for my loyalty is divided between You and the world. There are tears for what I have done. I am filled with sorrow and deep grief. I am filled with sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. I humble myself before You. Please lift me up in honor. . . . (James 4:7–10)



(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)

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