Showing posts with label eat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eat. Show all posts

1 Corinthians 8:13 and Not Eating What Causes to Stumble

I will not eat what causes my brother or sister to stumble. - 1 Corinthians 8:13 | Land of Honey

Paul wrote very plainly that he would not eat something if it caused someone else to stumble in their faith. Are believers today following his example?

"If food causes my brother to stumble, I will not eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." -1 Corinthians 8:13

My friend Christopher wanted to show others that all things are truly possible with YHWH. So he became a vegetarian. People were floored that he was able to give up eating meat, and that he did so joyfully. His choice to forgo meat eating was a powerful example to his friends and family who felt they couldn't give up the thing that was keeping them back from the Messiah. His vegetarian diet was the spark that ignited freedom from drugs, addiction, sinful relationships, and lies in the lives of many people. Does Scripture teach that you have to be a vegetarian? No, many passages make it clear which animals are permissible for eating. But Chris's choice to not eat those animals helped many encounter the truth and love of YHWH.

I don't share this to say that you have to become a vegetarian, because you don't. Scripture gives you the right not to. But as Paul said, "Watch out that this right of yours doesn't become a stumbling block."

Scripture gives us certain instructions regarding what we are to eat. Mainly we are to avoid unclean animals (pigs and shellfish, as well as other creatures like bats, camels, and ostriches). You can see more on this here or in Leviticus 11.

We are not going to get into the debate of if YHWH's word still stands today or not. So regardless of if you are eating clean or unclean animals and foods, let's look at this verse again: I will not eat what causes my brother to stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:13)

When my husband and I started making changes away from the mainstream Christian faith, many people started working very hard to explain why following Scripture's dietary instructions was unnecessary. To this day, we are regularly questioned, teased, or told we are wrong by well-meaning believers. Even if this were true, how is this a good use of anyone's time? I would so much rather they would spend that time and energy to share the Gospel with the masses who desperately need it, than to to try and give me more dinner options.

The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 8 explains that people have different sensitivities when it comes to what they eat. It's worth noting that this is in regards to Biblically clean animals that have been offered to idols, not if unclean animals are acceptable to eat. Many translations use the word 'weak' but sensitive better encompasses the meaning of this passage. This entire chapter of Scripture tells us, "Not everyone is going to agree with you on this, be respectful anyway." You know what is not in this passage? Some sort of clause that says if someone is more sensitive than you are about what they eat, just go ahead and explain why they are wrong. Or belittle them until they agree with you or try to trick them into eating bacon. Be kind to those who are sensitive, their faith is on the line.

Is what you're eating causing someone to stumble? Let's look at who your dietary choices can impact:

-The roughly thirteen million Jewish people in the world who have not accepted the Messiah. One of the major set backs is that Jews see Christians representing the Messiah as someone who did not keep the commandments. Additionally many Jewish people are uncomfortable or unwilling to sit at a table with someone who is eating something that Scripture says not to, which obviously hinders relationship development and a chance to share truth. 

-Those frustrated by the confusion and hypocrisy of the faith. While Christians are used to how they do or don't apply certain passages of Scripture, this is truly confusing for someone new or outside the faith. I've been in churches where before the sermon everyone holds up their Bible and says that it is the inerrant word of God, and then the pastor's sermon explains that well, actually a good chunk of it is out of date. We can all think of people who have left the faith because of hypocrisy in others. 

-People who have decided not to eat meat for ethical reasons. In the mass food system there are many horrible things that happen during the factory production of meat. Many believe that the Messiah would not take part in this system, and therefore they choose not to as well. Does anyone benefit by debating this decision? Why try to convince them that the one whose eye is on the sparrow doesn't care about the welfare of his creatures? 

-Those who need to see a demonstration of love and power. Like Christopher's friends and family, who doesn't want a tangible example to point to of the transformation that happens through the Holy Spirit? Who doesn't need to see that change is possible? Being respectful of someone's dietary choices is a great way to show that person love. It is so meaningful to go to a friend's for dinner knowing that they have gone out of their way to make sure the meal is something I am comfortable with. There are too many believers claiming to love others, but aren't willing to give up any of their own rights to support another's faith.

Pick up any cookbook or flip on any food related show and you will hear how food has an amazing power to connect people of different cultures, ages, nationalities, lifestyles, etc. But the quickest way to break that connection is to be disrespectful of someone's dietary restrictions. Don't let your food choices cause someone else to stumble. Make sure your table is one you can invite them to.

How do your food choices impact the faith of others - and what Scripture says about it. | Land of Honey

More about eating the Bible's way: 

Summer Salads for Shabbat

Summer Salads to make for the Sabbath day | Land of Honey

Sharing some fresh inspiration for your Sabbath meals today! To me, there is nothing easier and more delicious than pulling out a fresh and satisfying salad for lunch and this is the perfect time of year for doing that. Put all those fresh veggies to use and put together a simple meal ahead of time so that you can fully rest on the Sabbath!

I think any of these would suffice for a meal, but you could definitely serve these with grilled chicken, bread, greens with vinaigrette, or the summertime staple of sliced tomatoes. Fresh fruit would make a refreshing (and easy) dessert.

Crunchy Thai Peanut Quinoa from Cookie and Kate
Crunchy Thai Peanut Quinoa to make for the Sabbath day | Land of Honey

Summer Grain Bowls from How Sweet Eats
Summer Grain Bowls - easy meal for the Sabbath | Land of Honey

Crunchy Roasted Chickpea Pitas from How Sweet Eats
Crunchy Roasted Chickpea Pitas - easy meal for the Sabbath | Land of Honey

Mediterranean Tomato and Feta Dip from Cookie and Kate
Mediterranean Tomato Feta Dip - make ahead dish for Shabbat | Land of Honey

Greek Lemon Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad from Half Baked Harvest
Greek Lemon Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad - make ahead dish for Shabbat | Land of Honey

Easy Lentil Taco Salad from Making Thyme for Health
Easy Lentil Taco Salad - make ahead for Sabbath lunch | Land of Honey

Roasted Red Pepper Meze Platter from Half Baked Harvest
Roasted Red Pepper Meze Platter - super easy for Shabbat meals| Land of Honey

Broccoli Quinoa Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing from Well Plated
Broccoli Quinoa Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing - healthy make ahead meal| Land of Honey

Mediterranean Avocado Chicken Salad from Half Baked Harvest
Mediterranean Avocado Chicken Salad - healthy make ahead meal| Land of Honey

Roasted Carrot Lentil Salad from A Beautiful Plate
Roasted Carrot Lentil Salad - healthy make ahead meal for the Sabbath day| Land of Honey

Wild Rice Stone Fruit Salad from A House in the Hills
Wild Rice Stone Fruit Salad - healthy make ahead meal for the Sabbath day | Land of Honey

Marinated Zucchini Feta Salad from How Sweet Eats
Marinated Zucchini Feta Salad - healthy make ahead meal for the Sabbath day | Land of Honey

Mediterranean Three Bean Salad from Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Mediterranean Three Bean Salad - easy to make ahead for Sabbath lunch | Land of Honey

Charred Corn and Zucchini Enchilada Pasta Salad from Half Baked Harvest
Charred Corn and Zucchini Enchilada Pasta Salad - easy and delicious make ahead meal for the Sabbath | Land of Honey

More on this topic:

Torah Observant Travel

Did you know that Scripture is pro traveling? What started with Adam and Eve moving out of the garden later turned into Abraham leaving his country, the exodus from Egypt, and requiring the Israelites to be in Jerusalem for the feasts of Shavuot, Sukkot, and Unleavened Bread. We've also heard of infant Yahusha fleeing his homeland to the safety of Egypt, and of course his famous words, "Go into all nations." While we think of travel being limited before cars and airplanes there is plenty of evidence of Israelite exploration in North America during the reign of King Solomon. Paul not only preached the good news in Israel, but also in Syra, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and possibly Spain and Britain!

Torah Observant Travel | Land of Honey


So if you are taking vacation or having a getaway this summer you are in good company. As Daniel showed us, we are to keep YHWH's instructions even in place where that is not easy or convenient. Do you want to do this? Because if so, you will need to plan your life around keeping the commandments. It's not realistic or wise to schedules or lives and then try and squeeze in Torah observance. Set yourself up for success by learning to plan your days around YHWH's instructions, including when you are away from home.

How to observe Torah while traveling:

-Pay attention to the calendar. Before you buy tickets or make reservations double check when the feast days are and consider if you want to be out of town during those special times. If you go somwhere for Sukkot, think about planning your stay and actitivies around the no-work days.

-Consider where you will stay. Particularly if you are planning on celebrating a feast while away you will want to have space to do so, whether by staying at a campsite or renting a house or small cottage. Will you need to have a place with at least a small kitchen? Will you need to find a place to go on the Sabbath?

-Let your hosts know. If you're staying with friends or relatives make sure they are aware that you don't eat pork or shellfish (it's also a good idea to let them know what you DO eat), and let them know that Shabbat is a set apart day for you, and what that looks like. Having expectations set up front will make things easier for everyone.

-Look ahead. Before you leave do a little research on the area you will be in. Is there a congregation you can attend on Sabbath? Are there any restaurants that look like they would be friendly with a Biblically clean diet? When I spent Sukkot with Torah to the Tribes I was able to visit a sukkah exhibit at the Oregon Jewish Museum. You might be unexpectedly surprised about what's going on at your destination.

-Pack snacks. Having food to eat when you're hungry is just about the handiest thing ever. This goes even for a day trip. You spent more time at the museum than anticipated, your flight was delayed, the place you planned on eating closed early. You're stuck in traffic. Odds are someone will get hungry and there won't be anything handy nearby. Have at least a few things to eat in case you can't find anything Biblically clean and healthy. It will save lots of headache and frustration, not to mention money and time. Airlines will let you take solid food (sandwiches, trail mix, apples, carrot sticks, etc.) which will be considerably better quality and less expensive than what most airports have available.

-Look for vegetarian restaurants. When you're on a Biblically clean diet vegetarian food is miraculous! No need to worry about cross contamination or what's in something. If that's not an option look for places that are vegetarian friendly. Most restaurants have their menus online so you can see what your options are ahead of time. Restaurants that accommodate vegetarian and special-needs diets are typically your best bet to eat at to get Biblically clean food, as the wait staffs are typically more informed about ingredients and the chefs are used to adjusting things when needed.

-Where will you be on Shabbat? If no congregation is to be found or if the service is short, will you want to spend the rest of the day in a hotel room? Look for a beach or park area or other free place to visit to spend time on the Sabbath. If you are able to find a congregation to attend, call ahead and see if they have a meal after service that you can attend.

-Shop ahead of time. If you are going to be out of town for Sabbath you will need to make your purchases before it starts, just as you would at home. That includes buying food to eat on the Sabbath, and getting gas if needed. You'll also want to think about if you want to check into your hotel before Sabbath if that's where you are staying.

-Pack a cooler. This is a must if you are staying somewhere without a fridge! On Friday you can get ice and pack a Shabbat picnic for the next day.

-Think about when you will travel. Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with driving a car on the Sabbath. Without driving attending congregation wouldn't be feasible for most of our members, so I think that's a positive thing. That said, there is a big difference between driving 20 minutes to attend Shabbat service versus a fifteen hour drive to get to vacation, which isn't exactly restful. The same for air travel, which can be physically exhausting for passengers.

-What time is it there? If you will be switching time zones be aware of what time it will be there when you arrive and when the Sabbath or feasts start at your destination.

-Take your Bible. Being on vacation doesn't mean Scripture studies should be put on hold. That might look a little different than at home but deliberately making study time part of your trip is one of the best things you can do for your time away. You will also want to be able to read appropriate passages for feast days and or study on Sabbath, if those are happening while you're gone. You can also take teachings to listen to on the flight or in the care.

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