As a Christian, one of the most profound teachings that I have encountered lately, is the message of Mathew 7:6. This verse has a meaning that is easy to overlook but understanding it can bring a significant change in our lives as believers. In this article, we will delve into the symbolism of swine and pearls in Mathew 7:6 and explore the message that this verse conveys.
Understanding the swine and pearls
Mathew 7:6 is a verse that comes from the Sermon on the Mount, which is one of the most significant teachings of Jesus Christ. This sermon in Mathew 5-7 contains various teachings on how to live a godly life. In Mathew 7:6, Jesus says, “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.”
The are two symbols in Mathew 7:6 swine and pearls. Swine represents uncleanliness, impurity, and sin, while pearls represent purity, holiness, and divine gifts. Swine is an animal that was considered unclean according to Jewish law, and touching it would make a person unclean. On the other hand, pearls were highly valued in the ancient world. Even today, pearls are considered a symbol of wealth and beauty.
Life today is different from how it was 2000 years ago when Jesus spoke these words to the people on that mountain. Yet the people are the same, the nature of people living is one and the same. The people we live with and ourselves are not living up to God’s standards (let’s agree on this). And as much as we, as God’s children, live a life that is not pleasing. Yet, with grace and new mercies each day, God is reminding us about these holy gifts and living a life that glorifies Him.
What is a pearl or a holy gift? 1 Corinthians 12 mentions these gifts. Some of the mentioned are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophesy, discerning spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretations of tongues. Isaiah 11 mentioned wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. Paul adds in Romans 12 gifts like serving, teaching, giving, encouraging, leading and showing mercy. There are many and are given to each of us, differently.
Protecting the Holy Gifts
When Jesus says, “Do not throw your pearls before pigs,” He means that we should not give holy gifts to those who do not value them or appreciate their worth. It is like giving something precious to someone who does not understand its value and may even destroy it. This verse is not about judging others or being selective in our interactions; rather, it is a call to use discernment in our relationships and to protect holy gifts.
The message of Mathew 7:6 is that we should protect the holy gifts that we have received from God. These gifts help us live, work our faith, our talents, our relationships, and our resources. We can not waste them on people (and things) who do not appreciate them or who may use them for their own selfish purposes. Instead, we should use them wisely and in a way that honours God.
As cheerfully as we choose to give and serve, let us have the Holy Spirit set boundaries. We would love to serve, let’s serve in love, not too much and never too little. Lest we fail to live or attend to other tasks assigned to us by God and our roles in family or communities. As much is given to us, let us give the same. We love to give, let us give in Spirit, believing that it will do what God told us it will do and bless His Holy Name.
And with all these gifts, let us never be so consumed by seeing far forgetting what’s just a glance away. It is easy overlooking yourself and the people close to you when serving, teaching or giving, which blocks the flow of blessing making us slaves to our gifts and thus no glory to God by those in our own homes and complaints from ourselves. Think of Jonah!
Mathew 7:6 in daily life
The message of Mathew 7:6 is relevant to our daily lives, and we can apply it in various ways. Firstly, we should appreciate the good things in life and not waste them. We should use our talents, resources, and relationships in a way that honours God and benefits others. Secondly, we should be discerning in our relationships and not waste our time and energy on people who do not value us or our gifts. Lastly, we should protect ourselves always. From sin and temptation and use our bodies, minds, and souls in a way that pleases God.
The message of Mathew 7:6 is ultimately about honouring God through our actions and decisions. We should not waste the holy gifts that God has given us, but instead, use them for His glory. We should also be discerning in our relationships and interactions. This can also be in not allowing others to use us for their own selfish purposes. Giving following how others do or others’ directions can lead us to trouble. In the end, we won’t be happy with it. And those we followed might turn to us and say we don’t do right or give much even after we lose everything (thus being torn to pieces).
While the message of Mathew 7:6 is clear, there are other interpretations and teachings related to this verse. Some scholars interpret swine as representing false teachers, while others see pearls as representing the Gospel message. Regardless of the interpretation, the message of Mathew 7:6 remains the same: we should protect holy gifts and use them wisely.
Mathew 7:6 in today’s world
In conclusion, Mathew 7:6 is a verse that has a timeless message. It teaches us to protect the holy gifts that God has given us and to use them wisely. In today’s world, where sin and temptation abound, this message is more relevant than ever. By applying the teachings in our daily lives, we can honour God and experience His blessings and favour.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, reminds us today that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should honour God with our bodies. Our bodies are also pearls. They are vessels for the Holy Spirit to live, move and operate in this world. As long as we are obedient and listen to Him, not only we but the world will experience God’s love, healing power and resurrection power again. We should not defile our bodies by engaging in sinful behaviours or by allowing others to use them inappropriately. Instead, we should protect our bodies and use them for God’s glory.
By honouring God in these ways, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him. May we always live according to His Word through Paul in Romans 12. And with faith and holiness in our living, experience His blessings and favour as long as we live.
Discover more from Yours, Karah
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