1 Timothy 4:3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.

I have long been aware that “forbidding to marry” was the first example Paul gave of “things taught by demons,” but this morning it hit me that “abstaining from certain foods” is the second example. The reason marriage has always been in my awareness is my disagreement with the Catholic doctrine of the celibacy of the priesthood. Knowing Church history, I have been aware that the origin of that teaching was entirely political, and it came up over 1,000 years after the start of the Church. Its falsehood is all the more obvious when we realize that Peter, the first “Vicar of Rome,” was the only one of the first 12 apostles that we positively know was married! And of course, forbidding marriage has resulted in all sorts of destructive perversions. All of that said, the second doctrine mentioned has been rampant in recent years, with “vegan” becoming a buzzword that didn’t even exist 50 years ago. Allergies and the like are legitimate reasons to avoid certain foods, but they have no spiritual implications, and are certainly different for each individual. Overeating isn’t the only way to be controlled by food! The demonic origin of such fads is obvious from the way pride gets wrapped up in it all, with people feeling they are “superior” for abstaining from meat, or animal products of any sort. The irony in this case is that there is plenty of research that shows an omnivorous diet produces the best results for human beings, hands down. Even cutting out animal fats has negative consequences, and over-processed foods are destructive in quantity. The point is to believe that God has created everything, and what He has created is good, if we will relate to it in submission and obedience to Him.

Having been allergic to milk, cheese, and chocolate from around 3 to around 10, I certainly understand about allergies. I have also seen people be destroyed by overeating. And, I have known people who have been deeply wounded by the prohibition to marry. I am well aware that anything can be abused, and I need to keep myself in submission to the Lord rather than to human tradition. Of course, the temptation is always to pride, to feeling “I know better than they do.” I have always appreciated C. S. Lewis’ observation that one thing we can be sure of is that when we get to heaven, we will discover that we were all wrong somewhere. Paul speaks several times of those who get caught up in prohibitions as “weak,” and tells us, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9) I am to speak the truth in love, but not put people down when they don’t have the same understanding of things that I do.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You also for the training You are giving me in pastoral ministry, right in line with what You said to me yesterday morning. I do pray that my mistakes would not have lingering negative effects, but that the Body of Christ right here would continue to grow on all levels, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!