Should You Eat Meat?

              What Does God Say About it?

Let’s jump right into it. Most of us want to live long healthy purpose filled lives. The reality is some won’t because of the food that’s being consumed today. Many people are not interested in changing their diet. GMO’s (genetically modified organisms), High fructose, corn syrup, fast food and processed meat is destroying human bodies. Even animals are dying from disease. It’s time to start making big changes in the way you eat.

Many people are becoming vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian because they feel it’s a healthier lifestyle. Many feel that’s how God originally intended for us to eat - GENESIS 1:29. I agree that much of the meat and dairy being sold in our markets are causing lots of health issues. Recently my friend and I were sharing how God’s Word and his Promises trump the fear that the world tries to instill in us regarding food. We must do our research about the foods we eat and what ingredients and preservatives are in them. Then we must use wisdom and do what’s best for our individual bodies.

Those who enjoy eating meat should not feel guilty or fearful about it. I would suggest buying organic or free range/caged free meat with no antibiotics. This so-called “clean meat” isn’t the end all be all and it doesn’t mean you’re completely safe. There is risk with everything we eat. I like to think of it as using wisdom and shopping responsibly while trusting God that the meat you purchased is clean and not contaminated with unhealthy ingredients. Even those who are vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian should buy organic fruits and vegetables and wild caught fish when possible.

What does the Bible say about eating Meat?

I like this scripture:

“But you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your food and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst. There shall be no one miscarrying or barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days” - Exodus 23  

Yes, this is an Old Testament scripture, but there is a principle here. When we serve the Lord God with all of our hearts and use wisdom in purchasing and consuming food - I believe God will bless it.  As children of God we should be blessed. We should be healthy. Sickness and disease should not be rampantly taking believers to their graves. Consuming fast food (Popeye’s, McDonald's, Chick Fil A etc.), junk food (soda, ice cream, candy, chips etc.) on a weekly / daily basis will literally put you in an early grave. It’s a new day. The food today is not pure like it was back in bible days. We must be mindful of what is in our food.

Here are a couple of Old Testament scriptures to meditate and ponder when it comes to this controversial subject of eating meat or not, click on pink links:

• After the great flood in the bible, God gave us meat to eat in addition to fruits and vegetables (with a command to basically cook your meat thoroughly - no blood) – Genesis 9:1-4


• God also gave instructions on which animals and sea animals were clean and unclean to eat (very interesting) - Leviticus 11

Let’s take a look at what the New Testament has to say.

• The Apostle Peter had a vision the Lord gave him 3 times. When the Lord says the same thing 2 or 3 times that means His word is established. What He wants to happen will happen. Peter's vision had a two-fold meaning. The Lord was saying that the gentiles (me and you) were made clean and could receive the gift of salvation just like the Jews. The Lord was also saying that the different animals (meat) that Peter saw were declared by God clean and ok to eat because He made them clean – Acts 10:9-14

The Choice is Yours:

"One person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval" - Romans 14:2-4

Eating meat or not all boils down to a choice. There is no right or wrong. We must be respectful of each other’s choice and not feel that we are superior or inferior because our choice is different from another persons.

 Where should you begin to make changes in your overall eating?

Read labels!! Stop purchasing food that contains high fructose and corn syrup. Look for labels that say Organic, NON GMO, USDA Approved, Free Range, No Antibiotics, No Sodium Nitrites or Nitrates (these are harmful preservatives found in deli meat and bacon). Drastically limit your fast food and soda intake. Eat more home cooked meals. Snack on nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts). Purchase a Nutri Bullet or Juicer. Incorporate smoothies and fresh juice from fruits and vegetables. You can also purchase organic juice. I love carrot juice!! Your body needs nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

Blue Zone Diet: Eat Smart, Live Long (I think this is a great template to follow)

https://www.bluezones.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Blue-Zones-Food-Guidelines-2015.pdf

Be Encouraged 

"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer" - 1 Timothy 4

Next post I will share What I Eat.

Blessings,

Tytenisha