"Shake the Dust"

Jesus said shake off the dust,

When you’ve done your best,

To tell someone who will not hear,

Said move on to the rest.

I ‘spect we waste a lot of time,

If we keep on that way,

When clearly they reject the truth,

And all we have to say.

It’s not that we don’t love ‘em,

We always must do that,

But they’re sitting with the scoffers,

And that’s just where they’re at.

Learn to find the hungry,

Who crave to hear what’s true,

Humble, ready to be taught,

To learn what they should do.

Sow into those humble hearts,

The word all that you can,

And you’ll find they’ll do the same,

If their flame you fan.

We don’t always see the harvest,

But it’s glory when we do,

Helps to know you make a difference,

When they believe what’s true.

But move on to the next one,

When it’s clear someone rejects,

Don’t let it be a hindrance,

It’s what the Lord expects.

“Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.” (Matthew 10:14, NAS)

This is one of those things Jesus said that surprises people. But it holds great wisdom. In our efforts to win people to Christ there will be some who utterly reject what we say about Him. If we keep on after them, it may end up doing more harm than good. Shaking the dust off our feet means we do not make ourselves sick trying to convince someone who refuses to see the truth. We recognize a healthy boundary and move on to the next person we can help who might be more receptive. Love everyone. Pray for everybody. But know when to move on. It’s good advice.

Lord, teach us when to shake off the dust, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Lloyd Voges, used by permission. Thanks, Lloyd, and God bless you.