Friday, November 13, 2009
Pearls, Poodles, and Pigs
(Matthew 7:6)
Equal opportunity is a concept foreign to the Scriptures. In fact, some folks—by their own disposition—restrict the opportunities they would have had otherwise. And some folks—because of their humble demeanor—find God opening seemingly endless doors of possibility. Allow me to explain.
The Gospel is a suitable illustration of this truth. God desires that all men be saved (II Pet. 3:9). Some men, however, will reject God’s grace in the Gospel and be eternally damned. The difference between the two is demeanor—pride and rejection OR humility and acceptance. Those who respond rightly find God’s grace in salvation.
What of those who adamantly reject the Gospel, refusing God’s grace time and again? Should they be afforded repeated opportunity to reject Christ while much of the world has never heard His name? The simple answer to that question is “no.” Remember when Jesus sent out His messengers two by two? Jesus told them that if a house or community rejected their message, they should move on—shaking the dust off their feet as a witness against the truth rejecters (Mt. 10:14). Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:6 carry the same intent. Adamant opposition to the Gospel diminishes the possibility of future opportunity.
Should we not exercise patience with folks? Yes, we should. There comes a time, however, when our best efforts are chewed up by dogs and trampled by swine. When that happens, it’s best to move on—in order to give someone else a chance at receiving the truth (Acts 13:46; 28:23-28).
