Pearls before swine

We have all heard the saying “Don’t cast your pearls before swine!” I learned this Bible verse from my mother who still to this day reminds me of it, hence I have learned to hold many things close to my chest. At times, and going back to the Bible, pearls are often used in a demonstrative way just like the time when Jesus advised, in the sermon on the Mount, not to give what is holy to dogs and to neither throw your pearls to swine.

I have been observing many things in this election season and my top most observation is the lack of appreciation for the spiritual kind. At most, this is my observation;  however, I also know I share this sentiment with a good number of people and fortunately, I am not alone. In our current political situation, we are given a glimpse of things everyday in order for us to see the bigger and clearer picture. Almost daily, hundreds of us are sending out messages on social media on the many different candidates by telling one another the why’s (or why not’s) as everybody draws closer to election day.

I have, on the other hand, noticed that the spiritual and moral factors of how we are all being required to participate in the national election process has come second – myself included. But like everyone else, we are all waiting and wanting, and most of what we are searching for is literally connected to what we value in our lives. The question however is found in the things we consider as valuable. Whether it be in matters addressing quality life, education or a good source of livelihood, our roots become our driving force, which include the pivotal moments that are crucial in making decisions.

So what exactly does one do with pearls? For one, like pearls, life has a distinct way of polishing us. While pearls are ruffled up by natural materials, so are we ruffled by the natural highs and lows of life. In everything, it is wise to seek good counsel and sometimes this comes in the form of a friend, a mentor or a family member. When our minds are open, we are able to learn, and when we listen, we gain knowledge. Therefore, to give or offer something valuable to someone who does not understand its value is a waste of time, and these are the very same people we ought not to “cast” our pearls to.

The coming days should be spent on further discernment when it comes to the upcoming elections and sharing insight on matters that are worth thinking about at the very least could be additional pearls we gain through the process. Only a fool would choose to dismiss wisdom when in life, we look forward to the day that we become wiser. So think about your pearls... think about whom we are sharing these with and who shares theirs with us. We must be able to discern the swine, as Jesus says, as it is an utter waste of time to offer our pearls to those who do not see its value. Repeatedly sharing valuable things with someone is like casting pearls to swine and only through discernment can we identify such people.

While we must not refrain from teaching and doing what is right, we must also learn to move on from the situation and towards those who are ready to hear. So save your pearls and add on to your string as, after all, he who searches for them must dive deep.