It's Christ in you that many of them have the problem with, not with you per se, but purpose to live free from all hypocrisy by God's power. Be consistent.
I'm not calling anyone a name. Can valuable people be and act like spiritual dogs or swine? Let's not be or think like em.
Story from a surf trip down south: Ever come across a whale's skeleton on a remote beach far away? I have. Ever seen a beach fisher catch a shark in shallow water, or seen a lifeless shark tangled up in a net on the beach?
People gather around, and some are hoping it’s still alive. A brave soul pulls out a knife and gets to work in cutting it free.
Then—without warning—that shark surges into motion and back to life, turning on its rescuer, teeth sinking into the very arm that sought to save it.
Man, that’s how some people respond when they are lovingly confronted with the truth about salvation and God's only Way regarding that (Jesus is His only way for you).
Okay, so some of them aren't so lovingly witnessed to as they should be, and some topics are more important than other topics.
Truth matters though, and gospel truth matters gobs!
Like that beached shark, it looks so bound up, so dead, so stuck, so hopeless, or even desperate—until you step in to help them out. Then, instead of showing you gratitude, they lash out at you or put you in danger.
Hey, Jesus warned us about this very thing happening:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Jesus in Matthew 7:6
“Do not give that which is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, for they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:6-7 amp
Some people simply don’t want any truth from anyone today, so sincerely pray for them. Maybe God will work in their lives, remove the scales from eyes a.k.a. their spiritual blinders so to speak, and soften their hearts.
They aren’t searching for it today, and if you offer it today, they’ll reject it flat out—not just dismissively, but maybe with some level of hostility. Spiritual “dogs” and spiritual “swine” devalue what is valuable, what is sacred -- treating costly treasures like mere trash.
"It is usually futile to try to talk facts and analysis to people who are enjoying a sense of moral superiority in their ignorance." ~ Thomas Sowell
Ever tried sharing your faith with someone who flat-out refuses to hear it? You think, But truth sets people free right! Well, it can where there is a willingness. That’s true—but only if they’re open to truth and willing to receive it.
Remember when Jesus Himself stood silent before King Herod because He knew Herod wasn’t open to the truth (Luke 23:9).
You Might Meet Three Kinds of People:
Think of sharing truth like approaching a traffic light:
🔴 Red Light Peeps – This person is totally closed today. Maybe not tomorrow if you pray for them. Today they will shut you down, arms crossed, facial countenence with a scowl, heart locked tight. Is that due to fear? Have they met a real hypocrite of a so called believer before. No need to push ever—move on and genuinely pray for them because you really want God's best for them as well.
🟡 Yellow Light Peeps – They’re fairly hesitant but kind of curious too. Handle with care so to speak. They, like all people are very valueable. Listen well. Ask intellengent well timed questions. Find common ground pershaps. Share your own story of faith. You might have an opportunity to plant a seed of truth or even share more and reap them into God's Kingdom. We prayfully influence others, and Jesus is the one who saves. Give people an opportunity to come to Christ here and now, right on the spot if they are open to pray with you. Some will want to hear a little or a lot.. as you share what the Word says. You need to recognize and know. Read the room well. Jesus will lead you step by step.
🟢 Green Light Peeps – They’re open to truth and some of them are eager to hear it all. Yes, even from you (if you're a total stranger, aqaintence, co-worker, fellow student or friend). Their heart is softer and ready to hear truth. Listen well -- hear their hear and mind, and ask some smart so-called diagnositic questions perhaps. Prayerfully engage in honest, sincere, and meaningful conversation -- share the gospel freely.
Biblical Discernment Is Key
Some people will reject the truth today, but maybe they'll be open tomorrow? Our job isn’t to know it all or to force our beliefs on anyone, but to live "the life" (clean, forgiven, righteous, not self-righteous..) in really close fellowship with God. It's to live in a 24/7 obedient relationship with the Lord Jesus walking daily in wisdom (not all worldly with worldly wisdom). Pray the price for them, do you really think your own mind alone can set them free from their bondage? Live out our faith before them, and speak when the time is right. Stay silent with the time is right. Truth isn’t meant to be wasted where it isn’t wanted, and God will have no one in his holy heaven who really doesn't want truth.. or doesn't want to be there with him.
Let's prayerfully segway on over into gospel conversations with those who are open to truth and hungry for what is real.
"But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance elicited by faith that is within you, yet do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15 amp (see those 3 words at the end, important!)
The Apostle Peter urges us to give other (red, yellow and green light type of) people a reason to ask about our hope in Christ.
We all hear dishonest questions at times, but if we believers really honor Jesus Christ as Lord in our hearts (not merely in theory) first and foremost, the difference it'll make in our lives will indeed prompt others to have honest questions for us to address.Peter envisions the kind of change.. the spiritual regeneration kind of transformation that others will crave—in the best sense of the word.
Believers living under the influence of the Spirit will also treat one another with respect, with honor, with compassion and with humility (v. 8).
This difference in our lives as Christians will help others (those red and yellow light people) open themselves up to receiving the best gift they could ever receive. Green light Jesus, I want You and all that you have to give to me.. all that you want to give through me to a hungry, lost and dying world out there.
“For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” John 6:33
“I am the bread of life” ~ Jesus (v. 5).
Pearls, Swine, and the Wisdom of Discernment
“Do not cast your pearls before swine” is one of Jesus’ most vivid warnings, found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:6). To grasp its full meaning, we must understand its context. Just before this, Jesus warned against hypocritical judgment:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Matthew 7:1–2
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” — Matthew 7:5
Then, in verse 6, Jesus shifts from condemning self-righteous judgment to emphasizing godly discernment. While we are not to judge others unfairly, we must recognize when people are unreceptive to truth.
Who Are the Swine and Dogs?
Jesus pairs swine with another familiar image:
“Do not give dogs what is sacred.” — Matthew 7:6
In biblical times, dogs were not beloved pets; they were wild scavengers. Proverbs 26:11 paints the picture:
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.”
Similarly, 2 Peter 2:22 describes false teachers:
“A dog returns to its vomit, and a sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”
Jesus uses dogs and pigs as metaphors for those who mock, reject, or blaspheme the gospel. Sharing Christ with a hardened heart—one that has no intention of receiving truth—is like tossing pearls into the mud. The pearls are precious, but the pigs trample them underfoot.
Preach Boldly, but Know When to Move On
This command does not mean we stop preaching the gospel. Jesus Himself dined with sinners and tax collectors (Matthew 9:10). However, there’s a difference between someone who is lost but searching and someone who is hostile to the truth.
When Jesus sent out His disciples, He gave a similar instruction:
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” — Matthew 10:14
We are called to share the gospel, but we are not responsible for how people respond. Some will treasure the truth; others will scorn it. If someone mocks and resists, we move on—because somewhere else, there’s a heart that is ready to hear.
Jesus wasn't pushy. He didn’t pressure, manipulate, or force the truth on Herod (Luke 23:9), and neither should we with people like him. Discernment is a gift from God (See 1 Corinthians 2:15–16). The Spirit helps us recognize when to speak, when to wait a bit, when to listen, and when to remain silent.
Sow In All Seasons, Where The Soil Has Been Prepared, Tilled And Is Now Ready
- Psalm 65:10: Read the context cuz it describes rain drenching the plowed ground, melting the hard clods, and leveling rough ridges
- Galatians 5:22-23: Describes the Holy Spirit preparing the soil in one's heart to plant seeds of righteousness
- Jeremiah 4:3: Describes how the living Word breaks up unplowed ground and is not sowing His seeds among all the thorns
Not everyone will appreciate the priceless gift of the gospel. Some will scoff or mock. Some will resist. But others—somewhere you go—are longing for the truth of the gospel. We are called to plant seeds, to water them, to smartly tend, and to trust God for the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).
Preach the word boldly. Love deeply. And when someone tramples upon the truth you shared, don’t take it all personal, or waste your breath. There are others who are open, green light and ready—go find them.
- Tilling the soil represents God preparing a person's heart and mind to receive the truth of God's word.
- The soil represents the human heart, which includes the will, mindset, and purpose
- The seed represents the word of God
- The harvest represents the fruit of living a fruitful life
Jesus saves, we can't do that or even close to that. And we don't waste time try to reform sinners .."Hey dude, put down those 15 beers and start walking right to please God".. no cuz (without Christ living inside of them they might just quickly find another idol to worship and live for).
Pearls, Spiritual Dogs And Swine And the Wisdom of Discernment Needed
“Do not cast your pearls before swine” -- those words are about a warning from Jesus. A most vivid warning, found in the Sermon on the Mount (See Matthew 7:6). To grasp its full meaning, pray cuz He is able to explain it to you. We must understand its important context. You can be fruit inspectors, you can wisely evaluate the facts, but don't cast the final judgment cuz you can't see their heart like God can.
Yes, just before this text, Jesus warned against hypocritical judgment:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1–2
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:5
Then, in verse 6, Jesus shifts from the topic of condemning self-righteous judgment to emphasizing godly discernment. We need that. While we are not to judge others hearts or misjudge their spiritual condition unfairly, we must recognize when people are unreceptive (red light, not open) to truth.
Who Are the Swine and Dogs?
Jesus pairs swine with another familiar image:
“Do not give dogs what is sacred.” — Jesus, Matthew 7:6
In biblical times, dogs were not so many of them.. beloved pets; but they were wild scavengers. Therefore Proverbs 26:11 paints the picture:
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.”
Similarly, 2 Peter 2:22 describes false teachers:
“A dog returns to its vomit, and a sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”
Jesus uses dogs and pigs as metaphors for those who mock, who reject, who scoff at, or who blaspheme the truth of His gospel. Sharing Christ with a hardened heart type of sinner—one that has no intention of receiving his truth—is like tossing valuable pearls into the mud forever. The pearls are precious, but the pigs trample them underfoot cuz they want cheap food, not a necklace or anything that's valuable to wear.
Preach the Word Boldly, but Know When to Move On
This command does not mean we stop preaching the gospel all together. No. Jesus Himself dined with and showed love towards sinners and tax collectors (Matthew 9:10). However, there’s a difference between someone who is lost and open or searching.. and someone who is closed and hostile to the truth.
When Jesus sent out His disciples, He gave a similar instruction:
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” — Jesus, Matthew 10:14
We are called to share the gospel tactfully with God's wisdom, but we are not responsible for how people respond to the truth. A witness in a court is to only share what they saw, heard, know and experienced. The judge has a different role.
Some people will treasure the truth; others will scorn it. If someone mocks and resists, we move on—because somewhere else, there’s a heart that is ready to hear.
Jesus didn’t force truth on Herod (Luke 23:9), and neither should we. Ever. Discernment, a gift from God (1 Corinthians 2:15–16), helps us recognize when to speak and when to be silent.
Sow When They Are Open.. Yes, Where the Soil is Ready
Not everyone will appreciate the priceless gift of the gospel. Some will mock. Some will resist. But others—somewhere—are longing for truth. We are called to continue in this.. praying, plant seeds, water them, and trust God for the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).
When I (Kurt) get a moment free here and there.. I like to recommend what'll help people. Got a fairly good track record with recommending. Yes, I recommend and say why.. I applaud, and advocate / a.k.a. vouch for good stuff and even people doing good stuff.. and I wholeheartedly endorse what's beneficial whole gobs for those I care about. Sure, I recommend the gospel most of all. Yes, knowing Jesus in a personal meaningful way cuz He is knowable. I like to enthusiastically recommend what has blessed by life, as well as un-recommend any bad or hurtful stuff a lot too. You know I unrecommend what's lame, poor quality, horrific.. what's not good at all, WHAT STINKS, or not even slightly good for people. Think about it some. We all have our opinions given to us on so many things and our friends and loved ones also recommend good stuff to us often.. all week long. I hear recommendations in the media a lot and need to be careful with all that. An opinion might be worth only a dime or so.. or far more. Test it, kick that tire, check it out, go prove and see. Go with the Word overall. Yeah, let's all recommend none more than Christ.
"But test all things carefully so you can recognize what is good. Hold firmly to that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21 amp
Preach Jesus boldly--every chapter of every book in the Bible points to Christ our ultimate solution for sin. Love deeply. And when someone tramples on you or the truth, don’t waste your breath there. Move on with grace. There are others who are ready—go find them and build a relationship in God kind of way. Lvoe is spelled TIME.
Our role is to listen well, know the word already, to discern accurately, to proceed tenderly with those who.. WOW, they just took their hand's palm down out of our faces and are now they are somehow open to truth (all green light) with perhaps a few good questions.
Our role is to plant some seeds of faith from the word, to water, to tend and nurture, to continue to pray, and to trust the Lord to respond bringing in the harvest. (Read some more..)
Choose to act and think like the wise Bereans did. Stick with the Lord and His Scriptures -- stay safe doctrinally and help keep others safe too.
Q: Got some crazy sources you listen to with say.. their YouTube videos? I say get back to reality please, and ditch them. There are way too many good tutorial types of YouTube videos that you won't waste your time with. Be discerning for your sake and the sake of those who love you.
There are so, So, SO many sources out there these days, and some of them are just dangerous. Some people earn the right to be heard, and others do not.
During these times when some people think everything "on the interwebs" is 100% true, you and I need to be more careful. Don't just take my words for it, please check Kurt's words (me) out against what the Bible teaches as well. I pray I won't let anyone down, and go off away from God or His Bible.
