By David ReayMonday 18 Nov 2019LifeWords DevotionalsFaithReading Time: 2 minutes
“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. (NLT)
Lots of people would like to draw followers of Jesus into passionate arguments about their beliefs. On the one hand, we are commanded to share our faith and share reasons for our belief. On the other hand, we have sayings like this. Jesus seems to be saying that precious things like the truths of our faith cannot be given to certain people in certain contexts.
It might be that he is warning us against getting involved in heated debates which are basically about each party butting their head against the brick wall of the other’s steadfast opposition. In other words, there is a time and place for silence, for disengagement.
We can certainly discuss our faith with those hostile to it, but need to beware of futile verbal exchanges. I might be ready to defend my beliefs and argue my case if the other person is a genuine seeker. But I might not be so ready if that person is just wanting to ridicule me or have a quarrel or score points.
We need prayerful wisdom to decide when to jump in and when to stay apart. There are those out there who are genuinely open to what we believe. Spending our time trying to argue with those whose minds are made up might mean we miss out on sharing with those who might consider Jesus more carefully.
Blessings
David