Eating Biblically clean can be a challenge to be sure, even as an adult. Certainly more so if you have children. The kind neighbor who wants to give your children a gelatin filled fruit snack. Grandma wants to have the kids over for smore's around the campfire. When my kids see the masses of kids running towards those rice krispie snacks the soccer mom bought for all the kids after their game, they get a totally bummed look in their eyes. Don't get me started on birthday parties with their gummy bears and pepperoni pizza! It's a fine line of being assertive but not rude. I want my kids to learn to graciously decline these treats without offending or appearing haughty. I want them to navigate these waters of unclean foods on their own, so they are confident in these Godly choices that are meant to guide and protect us. Here are some ideas that I have learned to graciously decline the pork-product treat, and to kindly offer a substitution or alternative.
1. Manners. Saying, "No, Thank You", goes a long way. Smile and move on. No need to go to chapter and verse go, unless they ask. State your responses, firmly, but kindly. I want it to be my kids that speak up, not me. I want them to want to please the Lord and follow His commandments. That in turn pleases me the most.
2.Make it yourself. Make your own dish to pass. Make your own marshmallows. Bring Turkey pepperoni. Bring Beef hot dogs. Bring non-gelatin fruit snacks. There are so many other alternatives. Keep it simple. I am sure there will be a veggie tray, so load up those carrots and celery and enjoy your family.
3. Be Clear! With allergies running rampant these days, most events will ask if your child has allergies. I state that we don't eat pork, and I give example of gelatin and pork by products. That way, we rank with the peanut allegry kid and nobody bats an eye.
As you dodge that pork chop at the next function, always remember to come to all events in the love of Yeshua. We want to provoke people to jealousy, not provoke them. We want them to see our genuine relationship with the Lord, our devotion to God's word and the love of Yeshua's sacrifice for them, for us. Remember, why we do what we do. Out of love for our Messiah.
