Switched Keys

One of the most interesting passages spoken by Jesus was in the beginning of Matthew's gospel a part of the sermon on the mount.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you. This comes after the beatitudes the often quoted verses of the blessed the poor in spirit and the pure in heart; And after the pronouncements ye are the salt of the earth and the light of the world; And just before he promise Ask and it shall be given you.

The entire sermon is packed with not just instructions but divine wisdom. This is no exception. When Jesus preached to the publicans and sinners rather than the Pharisees he was giving them something that was valuable to them. Similarly we should also be sure to share what we know with those who would find it valuable.

We are told to preach the gospel to all the world but there is no need to waste our time and resources trying to change the unchangeable. It is not our purpose to try to force people into the Way. Attempting to do so is like throwing the things that are valuable and holy (set apart for a purpose) to beasts.

When we are not welcomed and the message is not respected we must take the stand brush off our feet and leave. To continue to force the gospel onto the ungodly will just provoke them. They don't care about what we have to give them and think we are trying to take something from them. They are like dogs and swine whose only interest is very often something to eat.