Devo Week 44

Table Manners Matter -- Clean vs. Dirty

The Apostle Paul said he'd become all things to all people so that by all possible means he might save some. (1 Cor. 9:22) It takes humility and faith to lay down our opinions, our ways, our knowledge, in order to learn from and live like the local people.

Key Concept: Becoming All Things to All People

Learning the way of Christ in a new location is the art of missionaries. Immersed in a new culture, language and location, their approach to the basics of life will either bless or hinder the relationships around them. Deep bonding occurs when home-culture ways are laid down and the way of Christ in the new, host-culture is taken-up.

Sometimes our view of food, for example, may be correct from our home-culture but out of step with the host-culture. Whether something is considered clean or dirty depends on the location. The host-culture shapes how food is viewed and valued by the people. Eating like the local people as much as possible can help bring understanding of their view of food. This can be challenging.

Sifting through cultural issues while discerning the truth of God in the cross-cultural setting provides a unique opportunity for the missionary to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29, Phil. 2:12-13). This is where walking in faith, not legalism, is critical. Even common things can be sanctified as they are pointed to Jesus.

Under the New Covenant, both food and animals are made clean. (Acts 10:14-15) This is why it's important the Gospel is not about eating and drinking, but rather the person of Jesus Christ. Our message is to be centered on Jesus, the one who embodies the truth of God (John 14:6). The cross-cultural worker labors to reveal Christ in the local setting.

Key Word Definition: sanctification (noun)

-- the action of making or declaring something holy
-- the action or process of being freed from sin or purified

Excerpt from Devotional 44 with highlighted word:

"Various animals, even reptiles and birds, would be clean and pure in God’s sight. (Eph. 2:14-16) Sanctification through Jesus reordered all nations through the New Covenant."

Scripture: Acts 10:15

“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”