“UNCLEAN” FOOD

The Bible tells us in the Old Testament about the law forbidding the consumption of certain things referred to as unclean. Hence the Israelites kept away from eating those things deemed unfit (unclean) by the law (see Leviticus 11). The animal from which pork is produced (the pig) happens to fall in the category of those animals that were forbidden the Israelites to eat. However, in the new covenant which we live in now, we no longer live under the restrictions of those laws which were given in the Old Testament.

Clean from within

“Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.”(Mark 7:14 -15 NIV). Jesus said this in response to the accusations of the Pharisees that the disciples were defiling themselves by not washing before they ate. This helps us understand that being “clean” (which in this context is akin to being righteous) is from within and not a result of traditions perpetuated by religion.

As far as the new creation is concerned, there is nothing unclean of itself when it comes to the issue of consumption. Paul says in Romans 14:14;”As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean”.

Be sensitive

However, he goes on to warn - “But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men”. In essence, the determination of what you should or should not eat is a personal thing. Be careful to be sensitive to the implications of your disposition to such matters as this on your brethren who may be offended at your stance on the matter because you must act in love as Paul makes clear in the 15th verse .

Be free

Let the wisdom of the word of God guide you in making decisions concerning controversial matters such as this. Be wary of giving in to the pressures of popular culture. Build your personal code of conduct on the solid foundation of the word of God and you will be able to live prospering in the full liberty that you have been given in Christ Jesus.

 

..:: FOR FURTHER STUDY ::..
ROMANS 14.