Matthew 7:6 (KJV)
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
After Henry believed in the Lord and was delivered from many dangerous habits like smoking and gambling, he now saw more clearly how those habits were destroying his life before he believed. Because of this, he tried persuading his old friends from such habits, trying to show them how bad these habits are for their health and even their finances, but they laughed at him and hated him even more. All he tried to do was to help them, but it was working the other way round.
We can see from scripture (see 1 Pet 2:22) that the metaphor of dogs and swine are used for rebellious ‘believers’ (who would not be corrected because they have turned from the way and are not deceived or ignorant) or unbelievers. We are not to expend our teaching, counseling, prayers and time on such believers who have denied the faith (see 1 John 5:16).
There is no need wasting your time to convince an unbeliever about the dangers of his habits (he most likely already knows), what he needs is the gospel. It is when you see a spec in the eye of your [Christian] brother or sister that you can expend your resources and time in removing it through prayer, teaching, and loving counsel. But you can only be effective in this when you have already removed the log in your own eyes (see Matt 7:5).
Go into today remembering that you have limited time in this side of eternity. Make the most of it for God’s kingdom profit (see Eph 5:15-16).
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Source: Devotional