The Public Life
of Successful Christians
Part 2: The Stewardship of Spiritual Treasures
"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls
before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. [Mat 7:6
ESV]
Jesus' lack of explanation of this verse leaves us to assume that its
primary application is the obvious point being made. Quite simply he tells us,
“Don't throw away the things which are most valuable.” As absurd as it may seem, to often that is
exactly what happens.
Definition: What is “Holy”?
To be “holy” something or someone must be set apart for use or
dedication to God. Here are some of the things that the Bible specifically
designates as holy.
1.
Our faith.[1]
2.
The house of God.[2]
3.
Knowledge of the Word.[3]
4.
His name.[4]
5.
Our life.[5]
6.
Our bodies.[6]
7.
Our hands.[7]
8.
Our calling and priesthood.[8]
9.
The tithe.[9]
Dogs and Hogs
First, lets figure out who or what is not worthy of our valuables. The
image that Jesus is using, is of feral (wild) animals. Let's examine some
common characteristics between dogs and hogs.
They both:
1.
Are opportunistic, indiscriminate eaters.
2.
Are cunning.
3.
Have a pack instinct. The activities of one will
attract many.
4.
Are mean. They are able to inflict injury and
death.
Anything that tries to steal our true riches falls into the catagory of "hogs and dogs". Some things in and of themselves are not evil, but they constantly seek to rob us of our time, talent and treasure that could (and should) be better spent on things eternal.
Pearls, the Rare Treasures
1.
Relationships (spouse, children, etc.).
2.
Talents.
3.
Time.
4.
_________________
Treasure those who treasure the treasure.
“And he called the twelve together and gave them
power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out
to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them,
"Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor
bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and
from there depart. And wherever they do
not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as
a testimony against them."
And they departed and went through the villages,
preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. [Luk 9:1-6 ESV]
Although it may often be overlooked, one of the ministries of the church is to provide physical assistance to those who are carrying the good news of salvation.
Examples to consider
Belshazzar's drunken feast. (Daniel 5)
It is dangerous to defile the things that have been made holy to the
Lord.
The
Temptation of Christ. (cf. Matthew 4:1-8)
Temptation #1. Turning Stones to Bread / Abuse of Power.
-Failure to depend on
God.
-Neglecting Divine
direction. (He was led to fast.)
Temptation #2. Jump from the pinnacle of the Temple / Abusing the
Promise of God.
Temptation #3. Worship Satan and be given the Kingdoms of the world /
Abuse the Plan of God.
-This would (according
to the devil) create an end run around the cross.
-Violate the first
commandment.
Closing
When we accept the redemption found in the cross, we surrender all ownership of ourselves. We are Christ's. In that purchase he set us free from sin. He makes us holy, set apart unto Himself.
Jesus purchased us with a great price. We, and everything we have, are his. May we ever be good stewards of heaven's treasures. You are that treasure.
To view the next lesson in this series, click HERE.
