Thoughts for another day

Nov. 16, 2007

Today's verse: 1 Tim. 4:4,5. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

There are times in life when we seek some assurance on whether the notions about things we hold in our minds, are valid. For e.g. some people perceive strange things on a full moon night and they are rather enchanted and scared about it. Thus, the full moon becomes an enigma and clarification is expected. Then there are others who treat certain foods as cursed of God and therefore not worthy of eating, etc. So doubts arise and unless clarified, cause unnecessary strain on the mind.

In reading the above verse, we understand that ‘everything’ God created is good. Notwithstanding the idiosyncrasies man has developed of things of the world, evolving practices and beliefs that evoke fear and nausea; the universe is God’s and all that is therein, which mind you are His creation. Therefore, it is good. Consequently, if we hold that God has created everything, then we must also hold that it is good and has no evil per se in it. Unless in our belief systems, we hold a certain thing to be evil in nature which because of our beliefs comes into existence in our minds and takes form. This is something we need to shed believing firmly that whatever we see around us is good, as God has created it.

As to foods and other elements that concern our sustenance, we must note the same principle applies. Jesus said ‘Everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile…’ Mk. 18,19. Paul just applies a small rider here saying ‘if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat again so that I may not cause my brother to sin’ 1Cor. 8:13. So therefore, all foods are clean.

As to any irrational belief you may have my friend, please hold on to what the Bible says. It is God’s pleasure that we enjoy of the bounty He gives us and everything on earth is to benefit us. So please do not hold onto anything with an irrational belief causing yourself or your brother harm in any way.