Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

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“I Don't Eat Pork!"

Alex Haley, author of “Roots” first gained fame for writing the autobiography of Malcolm X, a famous black radical in the early 60’s. There was a story about his change from jail-house criminal to Muslim religious leader. Malcolm was in prison during his younger years for dealing drugs. He received a letter from his brother talking of something new and great that had happened. He would soon send more information but in the meantime, he wrote: “Don’t smoke any more cigarettes and don’t eat pork.”

Malcolm figured this was a new scam to get out of prison. So, at the next meal as other prisoners lunged for the trays of pork Malcolm calmly handed his portion to the next prisoner. The prisoner stopped, stared and finally asked: “Why aren’t you having any pork?” Malcolm replied, “I don’t eat pork!” Malcolm X would later refer to this incident as his conversion experience even though he was insincere. When he said, “I don’t eat pork!” he took a first step toward God. Malcolm then said to Alex Haley: “If you will take one step toward God. God will take two steps toward you.”

“If you will take one step toward God. God will take two steps toward you.”

As sincere and committed Christians we too must be prepared to stand up and say to the world, “I don’t eat pork!” Our priorities should change. We claim to love the Lord with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind. We say we love others as much as we do ourselves. So, we should act different. We should think different. Shouldn’t we? This noticeable change in attitude becomes our witness to the outside world. Speaking of pork, the Apostle Paul has something to say about food:

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“So now, what about it? Should we eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and there is only one God and no other.” (1 Corinthians 8:4) Have any of you been tempted to eat idol food lately? No? Me neither. At first glance, this Scripture doesn’t make much sense so let me share a more appropriate example. Let’s talk about alcohol? (Let’s not!)

First, let me confess: I don’t drink. “Big deal, Larry! You’re a preacher! Most preachers don’t drink. Now, if you actually admitted to drinking, then you would grab my attention!” Long before becoming a minister, however, I did drink alcohol in moderation. My fellow business owners and managers met frequently and these meetings often included an open bar. Is that so wrong? Probably not. I don’t know of any verse in the Bible that specifically says, “Thou shalt not drink.” I wasn’t having any problem with alcohol so what’s the big deal? Let’s look further at what Paul wrote:

“You see, this is what can happen: Weak Christians who think it is wrong to eat this food will see you eating in the temple of an idol. You know there’s nothing wrong with it but they will be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been dedicated to the idol. So because of your superior knowledge, a weak Christian for who Christ died will be destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 8:10-11)

For me, this meant that it may not be wrong for me to drink alcohol in moderation but someone who has a drinking problem could see me enjoying a drink and be encouraged to join me. Of course, for them it would be a big mistake. Therefore, I would be responsible for hurting someone else. I certainly didn’t want that on my conscience. As an added benefit, others might notice I was no longer drinking and ask, “Why?” This would give me the opportunity to share my newfound faith in Christ. Right?

At the very next meeting I summed up my courage and ordered grapefruit juice. It wasn’t long before someone asked what I was drinking and when I told him, he replied: “You’re not drinking? Why?”

“I’m not drinking because…” This is what I prayed for! Here was my chance to say loudly and clearly to someone: “I don’t eat pork!” This was my opening to be a witness for Christ… to share my faith. So what was my response to this God given opportunity? “I’m not drinking because… I’m on a diet.”

I’m on a diet? I’m on a diet? Is that lame or what? I was not off to a good start as God’s witness.

Next: Part 2… I did learn how to be a witness in creative ways. Read Part 2

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Last modified November 6, 2002.

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