I’ve spent A LOT of time thinking about this lately and God is showing me through many different things that I am released from the “vegetarian” label that I put on myself.
Things I’ve thought about…….What does the identity of being a vegetarian do for my witness? Is this something that brings me closer to God? Am I putting up a barrier between myself and others because of foods restrictions?
The reasons I originally decided to be vegetarian
• To change my life
• To be healthy
• To be compassionate
• To be more “Christian”
It has been almost a year and I have learned a lot! I know it was the right thing for me to do because of all the things I learned.
I learned increased self discipline. I learned to be grateful for what God has given me and appreciate many foods that I didn’t like or wouldn’t even try. I learned that I was wrong in calling it a “permanent fast” because a fast is an allotted special time to seek God on another level. I learned to live a healthier lifestyle. And I learned to be more open and thoughtful about eating.
Romans 14:6 is a verse that I read when I started this that I felt biblically supported my decision to be vegetarian…..
6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
The study notes for this verse in my NKJV Bible say “The strong believer eats whatever he pleases and thanks the Lord. The weak believer eats according to his ceremonial diet and thanks the Lord that he made a sacrifice on his behalf. In either case the believer thanks the Lord so the motive is the same to the Lord. Whether weak or strong the motive behind the believer’s decision about issues of conscious must be to please the Lord.
When I read this it really struck a chord with me because I was a "weak believer" when I made this decision and through Christ I have received unlimited strength and freedom.
What matters to God is where my heart is. As long as I seek him in everything I do - I’m good!.
God has been speaking this to me for awhile and I keep telling myself I have to complete 1 year. Not for any good reason, just because I always put rules on myself. I wasn’t listening to God and I was telling myself something else. In that I realized it has become bondage. I am currently learning to release my self-imposed rules.
So I’m not saying I’m going hog wild on meat diet ;) get it......Hog…Meat…hahaha. I actually like a mostly vegetarian diet but I will not restrict myself anymore. I will seek God and live in the gift of freedom he has given me.
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Cor. 6:12).
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