Only one verse this morning and I think that it is often overlooked. I’d like to highlight it because I happen to believe that all of God’s word is profitable for our instruction.
“ Don’t give to dogs what belongs to God. They will only turn and attack you. Don’t throw pearls down in front of pigs. They will trample all over them.” Matthew 7:6 CEV
When we look through Scripture at verses that talk about dogs we find a spiritual implication. In the Psalms it says enemies are like dogs and it also compares stupid leaders to dogs. In one place it says liars roam the city like a pack of wild dogs.
The Apostle Paul told us to beware of dogs.
“ Watch out for those people who behave like dogs! They are evil and want to do more than just circumcise you.” Philippians 3:2 CEV
These people that Paul was talking about wanted to brag about their own exploits and wanted to draw attention to themselves and pull the Christians away from their belief in Christ.
Jesus also warned about giving what was precious to pigs. Peter made a correlation between people who hear God’s word but ignore it and return to their old ways and pigs rolling in the mud.
“They would have been better off if they had never known about the right way. Even after they knew what was right, they turned their backs on the holy commandments they were given. 22 What happened to them is just like the true saying, ‘A dog will come back to lick up its own vomit. A pig that has been washed will roll in the mud.” II Peter 2:21-22 CEV
Jesus knew that there were those in the crowd listening to Him who were religious hypocrites. Those who would try to discredit the message He preached. You will notice that Jesus didn’t go searching for them, trying to persuade them to believe that He was the Messiah.
No, instead He went to those who were hurting, lost and afraid. Those who He referred to as lost sheep.
We will encounter those who think we are foolish for following Christ; those who would try to drag us off to follow a different philosophy or teaching and some who just want to wallow in the mud of their own making.
One simple verse. Don’t give to dogs what belongs to God – that would be our love and devotion. Don’t let anyone pull you away from what God has given you!