Wasting your time

Carey Nieuwhof Feb. 26, 2025

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So I'm all for grace, and I need more in my life, but today the Bible rocked my socks once again. I was reading the Sermon on the Mount, and understood once again why people reacted both positively and negatively toward Jesus's teachings. I could be wrong about what I'm going to say next, and many of you are going to resist what's coming next. That's okay.

After teaching us to love our enemies and to not judge people, Jesus then tells us not to throw our pearls to the pigs, because they'll trample the pearls and turn and attack us. While the meaning of the verse is not 100% certain, it's hard to miss one fact: Jesus is telling us not everyone is worth the investment and that if we invest in the wrong people, our best efforts will backfire. So stop investing. Just don't throw them more pearls.

Later in the chapter, Jesus warns us to stay away from people who claim to represent Jesus but don't. And he says there is an easy test—just look at their actions. Actions, more than talk, reveal a person's real heart.

Personally, I've met more than a few people who I've invested in deeply who have turned and attacked me or others. I kept the relationship open in the name of grace. I still got attacked. Some of that clearly is my junk, but what if it's not all my junk? What if not only our lives get unnecessarily complicated by people who should get cut out, what if our churches get messed from the same thing?

Is Jesus saying we need to cut the tie sooner? Do you think He's saying not everyone is worth the investment? That at times we just end up wasting our time?

Are some people just a waste of time? Are there people you need to cut out of your life now?

And before you start to dump non-Christian friends, realize that these texts are mostly talking about people who claim to be Christian.

I'm still not sure I'm the guy to figure out who to cut out and who to leave in. That would require prayer and good counsel. But what if Jesus is actually saying, "cut some people out."

• How would you start?
• What would you do?
• Would the Kingdom of God be stronger if it was purer?
• How would I know whether I am one of the guys who needs to be cut out?

These are big questions…. What do you think?

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Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church. He’s the author of several best-selling books, including, Didn’t See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects But Everyone Experiences. Carey speaks to leaders around the world about leadership, change and personal growth. Learn More »

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