“It’s Not About Food And Drinks!”(Rom.14:17-19).
Various congregational Sessions have basic requirements for the food and drinks that have to be served for certain occasions. Food and drinks! Is that what the kingdom of God is about? Romans says “No; it is not!”
The scriptures, though talking about food warns that what we eat should not become the cause of the discouraging faith of another person.
We are converted from different cultural backgrounds. We come with our load of cultural baggage; some of which may be contradicting to the gospel.
In every Christian grouping we have those who are convinced that Christ is of culture, those who think Christ is above culture; those who consider Christ is with culture; then there are those who say Christ is against culture, and finally those who consider Christ and culture a paradox.
Each of the above groups draw inspiration from the New Testament writings.
It may surprise us that mere food can be the cause of our misunderstandings concerning Christ and culture. A Christian community should not be polarized because they are not agreed on what kind of food to eat. “The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him”(Rom.14:3).
Dear friend, “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves in this way is pleasing to God and approved by man. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food…”
If we remain fighting over the stick, the snake will glide away and may bite somebody the following day. What we eat and drink within approved limits and void of gluttony does not hinder anyone’s faith.
As children of the kingdom let us serve God in righteousness, joy and peace for that is what pleases him. If you are strong because you know that Christ is above, of and with culture, try to be sympathetic with the weak who thinks Christ is against culture. And you who say Christ is against culture should not condemn them that do not align with you. “God has accepted them!”
Prayer: Holy Spirit help me to pursue the kingdom of God in righteousness, peace and joy for that is what pleases the LORD. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.