I’m afraid that we often over-complicate a simple teaching of Scripture by stretching it further than it was intended to go or by reading something into it that isn’t there. Our Lord’s words in Matthew 7:6 should not be misinterpreted as an exhaustive exhortation on holiness or as some profound parable on the subject of spiritual pearls. Instead, it is simply an admonition to us not to waste our time trying to force-feed the gospel to those who will regurgitate it.
Contrary to popular opinion, we are not divinely duty-bound to share the gospel with everyone who crosses our path, regardless of how hard-hearted and hostile they are to the gospel. Jesus taught His disciples to shake the dust off their feet and to move on every time they encountered staunch opposition (Matthew 10:14). Just as “dogs” have no appreciation of “holy” things nor “pigs” of “pearls,” the spiritually reprobate have no appreciation of the Word of God (Romans 1:18-32). Therefore, it is just as silly to give the Word of God to the spiritually reprobate as it is to give “that which is holy unto dogs” or “to cast your pearls before swine.” In each incidence, what is offered will be trampled under foot and those to whom it is offered will turn and attack you for offering it to them.
I’ve often marveled at Christians who agree to appear on television shows in order to be attacked by the show’s host and audience. Although it is argued that such venues provide Christians with opportunities to expose the masses to the gospel, I believe they really end up presenting to the public a horrible misrepresentation of our faith. The Christian who is mercilessly ganged up on during the show ends up given scant time to adequately respond to multiple attacks before the show’s host cuts away to a Viagra commercial. Far from being a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel, I view the appearance of Christians on such telecasts as a good example of what Jesus meant by “casting your pearls before swine.”
