Discernment In Giving!

In what Matthew records as Jesus’ “sermon on the mount”, our Lord attempted to elevate the focus beyond the standard of the “status quo” (the average expectation or standard among humanity) or “quid pro quo” (if you do it for me I will do it for you as well) living to a much higher standard for life conduct. (note the couplets of Matthew 5:21&22, 27&28, 31&32, 33&34, 38&39, 43&44) Life is to be lived with a consciousness of living in God’s presence while BEING ABOUT AND BEING WHAT HE HAS CALLED US. As Jesus directed the focus away from being critical of others ( Matthew 7:1-2) and also toward considering self and what needs to be properly dealt with in our own life when attempting to help others with the “specks” or “splinters” that need attention ( Matthew 7:3-5), He also stated the following:

“(6) DO NOT GIVE dogs WHAT IS HOLY, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” ( Matthew 7:6 ESV)

Here is a discernment to be made. Perhaps, like me, you have limited the focus of this passage to discerning when others are no longer receptive to our offering of the “pearl of great value” [the precious things relating to God’s kingdom and the glorious truths of the Gospel ( Matthew 13:45-46)] and when it may be time to move on to others. Though the hope should be that such individuals would eventually accept -- and we may remain mindful of trying to share with them again later -- why continue throwing the precious things of God’s kingdom and the glorious truths of the Gospel to those who persist in rejecting, trampling, and even attacking the messenger? This is a right focus from the text, however, there is another sense in which I was recently struck very powerfully as I reflected on this passage during some personal focus time while considering the message in light of WHAT I BE!

In the beginning, God’s design was for us to be created in His image. ( Genesis 1:26-27) Though that image became marred by sin, through Christ and the power of His blood and the Holy Spirit, that image is being renewed. Therefore, in Christ, we have been called to BE HOLY IN ALL OUR CONDUCT just as God is holy. ( 1 Peter 1:14-16) Also, since our “body is a temple of the Holy Spirit”, we have been called to “glorify God in [our] body.” ( 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

In light of these truths, consider the text again!
“(6) DO NOT GIVE dogs WHAT IS HOLY, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” ( Matthew 7:6 ESV)

What is holy? What have we just been considering? What is it that is closest to home? Is it not OUR OWN LIFE? Since in Christ our LIFE IS HOLY, to what are we giving it? When I give myself to the world and cave in to its standards or use my life for the wrong things, then I have given that which is holy to the unholy. It is just as giving dogs holy things or throwing pearls to the pigs who have no appreciation for them. All pigs want is to satisfy their own appetite. When I, BEING HOLY, voluntarily join myself in the mud and mire (pig pen) of the world, I have taken that which God made holy and thrown it into the realm that has no appreciation for it. Therefore I must give serious consideration what it is to which I give my life.

As holy ones of God, may we continually give our life as a “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” ( Romans 12:1) By doing so we will please God, serve His purposes, and have the most potential to impact those around us in godly ways.

Have a great day SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING WHAT WE GIVE SELF TO!
Carl

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