Some Christians are vegetarians by conviction,
feeling they must abstain from all
meals. Other Christians have no qualms about eating all types of food,
including meats, and even meats that God at one time had forbidden His people
from eating. The New Testament is not really concerned about a person's
convictions over matter of conscience as it is with the possibility of wrong
attitudes developing as a result of them. Both the strong and weak are
vulnerable at this point. The strong Christian, the type who freely eats all
things is in danger of despising the one who abstains. He may be either
condescending in his attitude or arrogant towards the weaker brother. Such a
person flaunts his Christian liberty. On the other hand, the Christian who
abstains from meat may be judgmental towards the meat eater. His attitude may
also be one of pride because he has chosen the more difficult path of denying
himself something. Jesus' words of admonition are applicable to both groups:
judge not that ye be not judged. We are all the Lord's servant and hence should
not condemn one another. With regards to
food, Jesus said nothing is unclean- Mark 7:15-19.
A
problem existed for some first-century Christians which is non-existent in our
present day Christianity. It was common in pagan society to sacrifice animals
to the deities, and then sell the meat n the market. Some Christians felt it
would be sinful for them to eat such meat; consequently, they abstained from
consuming it. Other Christians who were not ''strong'' felt that the original
purpose for which an animal was killed had nothing to do with its consumption.
They therefore felt at liberty to eat such meat.
If
wrongly used, Christian freedom can produce negative results. It can be ill
spoken of in the sense that it will bring reproach upon the cause of Christ and
create division among God's people. Christians must understand that the important
matters in the kingdom of God do not deal with subjects like food, drink, and
other frivolities, rather it deals with righteousness, peace and joy in the
Holy Ghost. To do nothing that will cause a fellow believer to stumble is a
worthwhile and attainable goal. But there is a difference between giving one a
cause to stumble and giving one a case to find faults or criticize. In no way
can we expect to please everyone at all times.
A
Christian's primary obligation is to please God and one important way that this
is achieved is to edify or build up the
weaker brother or sister spiritually. The obligation to please others does not
mean pleasing the ungodly or other enemies of the gospel- Gal. 1:10. Our
example is Jesus, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross-
Heb. 12:2. Likewise the believers has hope through patient endurance and
through his obedience to the scriptures. The role of the scriptures in the life
of a Christian is indispensable, for it is through it that one can know what is
pleasing to God.
As
Christians, we are to receive one another. Differences in unimportant matters
should never be a barrier to fellowship among believers. Jesus, our perfect
example has welcomed all believers, both the weak and strong, hence we should
accept all and encourage them to grow. We have to accept those whose faith may
not be as strong as ours; avoid a judgmental attitude towards those whose views
differ from ours; avoid disunity; give each person a chance to decide for
himself in certain areas; avoid anything that will deliberately cause a believer to fall; assume spiritual responsibility
for the weak; seek to live in peace with everyone; follow the examples of Jesus
Christ.
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