"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles." ~ Matthew 15:11
Every day we are told what or what not to eat: eat more omega-3 fatty acids, eat less salt, eat more quinoa, eat less sweets, don't eat gluten, don't eat carbs, don't be too fat or too skinny. While a lot these messages are well intentioned, they lead to a lot of anxiety about health and self-image. The Pharisees took this one step further and equated right eating with being in right relationship with God. For Jesus, being in right relationship with God is not demonstrated by what you eat as much as it is with who you eat with. Relationship with God starts with right relationship with those around you: neighbors, friends, family enemies and ourselves. See others and yourself as God sees you: a beloved and good child of God. Love one another in the self-sacrificing way of Jesus. Don't worry about what's on the menu, but about who is at the table and more importantly who isn't. Who needs to be invited? Who needs to be reminded of God's love? How will you be the agent of that divine invitation and blessing?
~ Pastor Eric
Every day we are told what or what not to eat: eat more omega-3 fatty acids, eat less salt, eat more quinoa, eat less sweets, don't eat gluten, don't eat carbs, don't be too fat or too skinny. While a lot these messages are well intentioned, they lead to a lot of anxiety about health and self-image. The Pharisees took this one step further and equated right eating with being in right relationship with God. For Jesus, being in right relationship with God is not demonstrated by what you eat as much as it is with who you eat with. Relationship with God starts with right relationship with those around you: neighbors, friends, family enemies and ourselves. See others and yourself as God sees you: a beloved and good child of God. Love one another in the self-sacrificing way of Jesus. Don't worry about what's on the menu, but about who is at the table and more importantly who isn't. Who needs to be invited? Who needs to be reminded of God's love? How will you be the agent of that divine invitation and blessing?
~ Pastor Eric
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