Balancing Health and Faith: Avoiding Judgment in Pursuit of Organic Living

In today's society, the obsession with all things "organic" has reached new heights. We see it everywhere, from the grocery store shelves stocked with organic produce, to the advertisements for cage-free eggs and grass-fed beef. Even alternative medicine, such as essential oils, is gaining popularity as a natural healing method. While there are certainly benefits to choosing organic foods and non-traditional medicine, there is also a danger of developing a sense of superiority and judgment towards those who don't follow the same lifestyle. We need to be careful not to let our pursuit of an organic, natural lifestyle overshadow our commitment to the gospel and pointing others to Christ.

First and foremost, let me clarify that I am not against healthy eating. I firmly believe that what we put into our bodies has a significant impact on our overall well-being, and we should strive to be responsible stewards of our physical health. The Bible even acknowledges the importance of bodily training, recognizing that it has some value (1 Timothy 4:8). However, my concern lies in the increasing emphasis we place on convincing others to adopt our dietary choices rather than focusing on sharing the love and grace of Christ.

I recently heard from a friend in women's ministry who received passionate requests to lead Bible studies on healthy eating. While it is important to take care of our bodies, the question arises: does the Bible provide enough guidance on what specific foods we should eat? And as believers, do we have the right to impose our dietary preferences on others in the name of biblical correctness?

Romans 14 addresses precisely these types of issues. The apostle Paul refers to them as "disputable matters" - areas where different believers may have differing opinions without compromising their faith. In verses 1-4, Paul writes:

"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand."

In this passage, Paul addresses a situation where one believer feels free to eat meat, even though it may be associated with the local pagan religion, while another believer chooses to only eat vegetables. Paul emphasizes that these choices regarding food and medicine are matters of personal conscience. One person is not considered more righteous or godly than the other because of their dietary restrictions or lack thereof. God has welcomed both believers, and so should we.

This leads us to ask ourselves: are we creating a welcoming and loving atmosphere when we strongly assert our opinions on food and medicine? What does our tone of voice communicate to those around us when we explain our lifestyle choices? Could it be possible that we are unintentionally repelling others with our seemingly haughty and opinionated views on matters that are ultimately a matter of personal preference?

It's crucial to recognize where we place our identity and righteousness. When we strongly identify ourselves with a particular lifestyle choice, it reveals our temptation to find our worth and validation in that personal preference. Whether it's our eating habits, educational choices for our children, or even our views on vaccinations, we can easily become consumed with trying to convert others to our way of thinking. In the process, we may inadvertently look down upon fellow believers who make different choices. This is not the attitude we should have as followers of Christ.

If our conversations consistently revolve around a particular issue, it's essential to pause and assess whether that issue has become too central in our lives. If we find ourselves constantly sharing information about our preferred way of eating, treating illnesses, or educating our children, it's a red flag that we may be placing our hope in the wrong things. As Christians, our hope and identity should be rooted in Christ, not in disputable matters.

Ultimately, true wisdom, hope, and healing are found in Christ alone. His words, promises, and all-encompassing truth should be what we are most eager to share with others, rather than the latest studies supporting our family's dietary choices as the wisest. Our primary focus should be on pointing others to the unfading hope and trust we have in the power of Christ to transform lives, regardless of what we eat for breakfast.

In conclusion, while there are valid reasons to pursue a healthy lifestyle and make choices that align with our convictions, we must be careful not to let these "disputable matters" overshadow the gospel message. Our identity and righteousness should be found in Christ alone, not in our dietary preferences or lifestyle choices. Let us be known for our unwavering hope and trust in the power of Christ, rather than for our opinions on organic food and essential oils.