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.
Jesus. Matthew 7:6. Hi, it’s Nathan, and this is Day 26 of 30 Days on the Mount of Blessing, PT 2.
A very fascinating statement by Jesus—and what wise counsel. We don’t need to be voluntary martyrs. Yes, there’s a time to stand up for your faith at great personal cost—but make certain it’s the right time, the right fight. Jesus is very clear: there’s no point in putting yourself and your beliefs out for pointless criticism. If someone doesn’t want to hear what you have to say, keep your mouth shut. If someone simply twists your words and argues with you: walk away. Needless mistreatment on account of your convictions is not a Christian requirement. See, he’d already applauded those who suffer for their faith, now he gives the other side of that counsel—don’t invite suffering by needlessly exposing yourself to it. Stand up for right. Yep. Avoid unnecessary attention. Yep. What a kind, wise Savior we follow.
