Do not give dogs what is sacred;
do not throw your pearls to pigs.
If you do, they may trample them under their feet,
and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Matthew 7:6 NIV
Do you have a grace buster in your life? You know … those people who shoot you in the foot every time God blesses you?When I was growing up, my grandfather used to say to me, “Don’t cast your pearls before swine, and watch out for the dogs.” He had a lot of pet sayings, but for some reason, this was one of his favorites. He used it often and with a smirky little grin that seemed to say, “I know something you don’t—but maybe one day you’ll find out.”
Well, he was right. For years, I had visions of chubby pink animals with curly tails stomping beautiful white pearls underfoot, and mangy dogs trying to tear me apart—until the day I said the right thing to the wrong person. In my eagerness to share what God had spoken to my heart, hoping for encouragement and affirmation, I became the object of ridicule and scorn. Maybe it was jealousy or immaturity on the part of the hearer. Maybe they just didn’t give a rip. Whatever the reason for their reaction, I was deeply hurt.
I learned a hard lesson that day. It seems dreams, goals, and visions are a private, intimate matter of the heart. They are not to be taken lightly or shared with just anyone. I found out that by sharing my innermost desires and passions with the wrong person can bring on a bad case of doubt, discouragement, and disillusionment … causing me to give up on my dreams.
When God pours out His grace on you and blesses you in abundance, be careful who you share it with. Choose your confidants and counselors wisely and—whatever you do—don’t call the grace busters.
(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/atibodyphoto/Idea go.)
TWEETABLE
To view in browser, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment