Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31, TLV

To Eat or Not to Eat?   What we eat or drink can give glory to GOD? In today’s verse take out of context the question is: “Whether we eat or drink, what?” When we lived in the Philly area, our rabbi used to say, “If there is a ‘therefore’ before a sentence, take the time to see what it is there for.” That clever sentence further reminds me: Context is so important.

Let’s check today’s verse’s “therefore.”

If an unbeliever invites you over and you want to go, eat whatever is set before you, without raising questions of conscience. (vs. 27, TLV)

But if anyone says to you, “This is from an idol sacrifice,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—not your own conscience, I mean, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? (vss. 28-29, TLV)

What is eaten and/or imbibed has little to do with what the food is and more about whether the food was offered to idols. We know the power and Name of Jesus overcomes any demon (vs. 20) but eating the declared pagan sacrifice will confuse our loyalties to our host. Therefore, our rejection of the food confirms our loyalty to our Father, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and His Son Yeshua.

This doesn’t have to do with whether or not to eat pork or shellfish.

“Everything is permitted”—but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permitted”—but not everything builds up. (vs. 23, TLV)

When GOD gave the dietary and hygiene laws to the Jewish people in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), they weren’t random tests of faith — let’s see if the Children of Israel would obey GOD by not eating pork. They were “living instructions” to keep them healthy.

He said, “If you diligently listen to the voice of ADONAI [the LORD] your God, do what is right in His eyes, pay attention to His mitzvot, and keep all His decrees, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians. For I am ADONAI [the LORD] who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26, TLV)

The science behind GOD’s dietary and hygiene laws were light years ahead of its time. Science and dieticians are only beginning to catch up with the wisdom of our Creator’s instructions.

Having said that, we are not under the penalty — spiritually — for those laws. Physically, well, that may be another thing.

Biblically Kosher

Hubby and I have kept Biblically kosher — not the complex rabbinical laws like mixing dairy with meat — for nearly 30 years. So, there are certain animals, fish, and game that we do not eat. We do not eat blood. It’s straight forward.

However, when we choose to dine with unbelievers or brothers and sisters who do not keep kosher, and all that is served is non-kosher, we eat or eat around the non-kosher parts depending upon the situation. (Since I haven’t eaten these foods for so long, my tummy usually gives me trouble later if I do eat it.) 🙁

Fortunately — or unfortunately as the case may be — this isn’t an issue as often today. Most folks have some sort of food allergies and hosts will generally ask if there are any dietary restrictions.

But what if they ask?

We bless the LORD for our food and bless our hosts for sharing their meal with us. This gives honor to GOD and opens the door for discussions.

The point? The Jewish followers of Jesus were venturing out into the pagan world. Some of the customs and practices were alarming to how followers of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were taught in Scriptures. These men and women required practical guidelines and instructions in how to navigate these unknown waters. The biggest issue was eating the foods offered to idols, not because they were to be afraid of idols, but to make a stand on behalf of the unbeliever — to demonstrate that sacrificing to idols was wrong. There was and is only One true GOD.

So, what?

So, what does this have to do with us, today? Let’s bring it down to the lowest common denominator. It is about honoring the LORD in all we do. When we share/witness to others we pay attention to where they are spiritually. Are they tied up in demonic activities, we may have to make a stand on certain issues.

We just need to be prepared to say why — know what the word says about it and how it affects us. Perhaps even our own testimony. Not in judgment, but in love and logic to the glory of the Father.

Actually, everything we do should be to the glory of GOD, but sometimes we need instructions in how to walk it out. Just like the believers in Corinth.