It’s been several months ago since I had a specific dream about wearing pearls.

In the dream I was lounging on a couch, laughing about fun mischief going on in the room. In the dream, I could see myself enjoying the comical relief. But I also could clearly focus in on myself wearing a pearl necklace and pearl earrings. When I awoke from that dream, the Lord made it a point of sending me to buy a pearl necklace. The pearl necklace was symbolic and there was no point to spending a lot of money to purchase it. I went to Beall’s and bought a $14 necklace and matching earrings for under $10.

I remember that the first time that I wore the pearl jewelry was when I was visiting a new church. Even the name of that church should have been an obvious clue to me, but I didn’t get it right away.

Fast forward to my birthday this month, when my best friend gave me a pearl bracelet as a gift. She wasn’t aware of the dream or of my earlier purchase of the necklace and earrings. It’s as if God were secretly planning all of this out to reveal something to me. And I think He was.

This morning, I was talking with God while still laying in bed. We were discussing the false doctrines in the church … yes, again. I was sharing with God my reluctance to keep trying to get through to the pastors who refused to hear a word from me. God said that while one particular pastor absolutely had no heart for God, the others did have a heart for God. And, yes, they were clearly teaching wrong doctrine, but it did not stem from a wrong heart. Then …

I heard a Scripture in the distance as if it were a memory being recalled. This is the text:

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6 NIV)

In an instant, I understood the reason that God wanted me to have the pearls jewelry. He wanted me to remember that as His Apostle & Prophet that I have pearls of wisdom that have been “bought” at a great price through much sacrifice. He doesn’t want me wasting my time on fools who have no heart for God, but to spend my time helping those who really do love God despite their wrong theology.

I get it! And I think the new watch (bought with a birthday gift-card) has implications too.