Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

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“I Don't Eat Pork!" Part 2

According to author Alex Haley, when a prisoner said, “I don’t eat pork!” he took a first step toward God. “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, “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.

Paul challenges us in Corinthians to be wary of eating meat which has been sacrificed to idols. At first glance, this Scripture doesn’t make much sense so I discovered a more appropriate example: alcohol. I made a personal decision to stop drinking because I could influence others who have a problem. I also figured not drinking in a drinking crowd would give me an opportunity to talk about God.

Sure enough, the first time I attended a business meeting, someone asked, “why aren’t you drinking?” 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? Is that lame or what?

Eventually, I did summon up the courage to tell others how my life has changed and I used those opportunities to share my faith. In many ways, this was my first hesitating step toward God and it wasn’t long before God took many steps toward me. But, this story is not about drinking but about being a more effective witness. There are other ways we can say to the world, “I don’t eat pork!”

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I also had a bad habit of occasionally entertaining my friends with off-color stories and jokes. My newfound faith demanded better. At first, I simply walked away from the crowd when the jokes turned spicy but that only made me look judgmental and cold. So, I discovered a better way by learning to tell new stories with a more spiritual message. Maybe this was my preparation for ministry. (Just kidding!)

“Disciple Bible Study” is taught every year at our church and requires a daily habit of Scripture reading. Students frequently take their Bibles to work so they can read during breaks. Before the course ends at least one student will mention someone from work approaching their desk asking, “Why are you reading the Bible so much?” which produces another golden opportunity to share their faith.

One family met for lunch after church every Sunday and spent the entire meal criticizing their pastor and church. One woman was deeply concerned but didn’t know what to say? She tried being quiet. She tried making more positive statements. Nothing seemed to work. “Maybe I should just tell them off, get up from the table and leave!” she said. “But they’re my family. I love them. What should I do?”

Several weeks later, she approached me with a smile and said, “The Lord answered my prayers. Last Sunday during lunch when the conversation began to sour, I suggested we try saying a prayer for our pastor and church. There was a long silence but my uncle finally said, ‘I think it’s a great idea,’ and next thing I knew we were praying together and afterward, the criticism miraculously stopped.”

Every day, God gives you a chance to say to the world, “I don’t eat pork.” Or try this question: “If you were arrested for being a Christian… would they have enough evidence to convict you?” Paul goes on to say, “Anyone who claims to all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for.” (1 Cor. 8:2-3) Actions speak louder than words.

John was trying to leave for the long journey home. But a snowstorm developed and traffic advisories urged everyone to stay off the roads. “It’s all interstate. I can make it.” John thought. Within an hour, John regretted his decision. The snow was coming so thick he could hardly move. Finally pulling off under an overpass, John tried to figure what to do. Then, he heard a tapping on his window. “Sorry to bother you,” the stranger said. I saw you leave and I figured you knew what to do, so I followed you.”

Like it or not, we are all watched and followed. The question is: “Are we leading in the right direction?”

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Last modified November 6, 2002.

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