Would you eat the foods?

Hi readers and followers, my sincere apologies for being silent. I have just realised that I haven’t posted for the last two weeks.  Thanks to those that asked why I have not posted any articles, and my sincere gratitude to friends that are eager to write on my blog, and finally, I appreciate readers and followers that informed me about things that they have learnt from my blog.  It’s interesting some of the things that people have mentioned.

Back to the main topic, before I wander off. Were you aware that it was Eid/Muslim celebration recently? 

I was within a group where the people that I was with brought tantalising foods and drinks for us to celebrate Eid.  Since I decided to allow Christ to live through me, I have been cautious of eating religious celebration foods except for Christmas and Easter. I believed that as Born Again Christians, we are not to eat celebration foods apart for Christmas and Easter foods. Am I being rigid with godly principles?  

Recently, I was tempted to let my guard down. The aroma of various delicacies that I perceived were irresistible, I couldn't oppose eating the foods. I asked an acquaintance what the foods were for, and I was told that we were celebrating Eid. I totally ignored my view about not eating celebration foods other than that of Christmas and Easter, I took a plate and fork, I went to the eating area and I helped myself to the buffet or like my friend called it ‘unlimited foods’.  

While I was eating the foods, I contacted Mr S and I told him about it. He was actually shocked that I ate the foods, the first question that he asked me was, “I thought you don’t eat other celebration foods?”  My response “Oh yes, I don’t but I couldn't resist the aroma and all the colourful foods around me. Also, didn't God say that we should rejoice with those who rejoice?” After my discussion with Mr S, I felt really guilty for eating the food.

Mr S advised me to read 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14. Just to let you know that despite Mr S being a Spirit filled Born Again Christian, he does not have a problem with eating other celebration foods.  He is of the view that all things were made by God and once he has blessed the foods, he has not sinned. I took my time to study 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14 (I would advise you to read it as well). My conclusion and understanding from reading those scriptures are:

I must not condemn other Christians that eat celebration foods apart from Christmas and Easter foods. 

All foods are right to eat but it is wrong to eat what causes others with a weaker conscience to stumble or sin.  If it does, I must not eat it. But how would I know that it would cause others to sin?

It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that will cause your brother or sister to sin.

I must also ensure that if others view me as someone that is biblically knowledgeable, they may violate their conscience by eating such foods because they have seen me.

There is only one God – Our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ, all things came from him and we live for him. All things were made through him.

In the kingdom of God, eating and drinking are not important. The important things are living right with God, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Finally, Romans 14 verse 23 states that “If you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it.  For you are not following your convictions.   If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning”.

Given that I had doubts for eating the foods, I would not eat it in the future. I must however remember that I cannot condemn other believers.

- Myss Lafunky

Do you eat celebration foods?

What if you and your partner share different perspectives about eating celebration foods? 

How would you compromise? 

 How would you bring up your children in regards to this?