Kingdom Wisdom Part 2
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Wisdom,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
Last week we began a new series called Kingdom Wisdom, looking at Jesus’ teaching about judgment in Matthew 7. This week we are going to build on that by considering something closely related: discernment.
Matthew 7:5–6 (NIV)
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.”
Last week we talked about beginning with ourselves. Before looking for the speck in someone else’s eye, we look for the plank in our own. Before asking, “What is wrong with them?” we learn to ask, “Father, what do You want to change in me?” But then Jesus says something that might surprise us. Immediately after warning us about judging others, He tells us not to give what is sacred to dogs or throw pearls to pigs.
At first, that can almost sound contradictory. Jesus has just told us not to judge, yet now He tells us to recognize something about the situation in front of us. That is because judgment and discernment are not the same thing. Jesus’ illustration begins with something precious. Pearls were extraordinarily valuable in His world. In Matthew 13:45–46, Jesus even uses a pearl of great value as a picture of the Kingdom.
The Gospel is precious. Truth is precious. Wisdom is precious. People are precious. Our time and influence are precious. Kingdom wisdom learns how to steward precious things well. Jesus is not giving us permission to label people as “dogs” or “pigs.” Instead, He is describing what can happen when something valuable is offered in a situation where its value is not recognized.
We have probably all experienced this. We offer someone advice, but they do not want it. We try to help, but they are not ready. We explain something, but the conversation only becomes an argument. So we explain harder, louder, and longer, thinking, “If I can just say it the right way, they will understand.”
But we cannot force someone to receive something they are not ready to receive. A gift can be offered, but it cannot be forced. Truth works much the same way. So does wisdom. So does the Gospel. We offer. God works in hearts. Learning when to speak, when to listen, when to help, and when to entrust someone to God is not judgment. It is discernment.
And learning the difference is an important part of Kingdom Wisdom.
This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.