The following is a really good piece written by David Cloud that I think needs to be read by all Christians because this is a dangerous saying that I have seen written by folks even on this forum.This is good stuff, and right on the money.Krispy[b]EAT THE MEAT, SPIT OUT THE BONES[/b][i]There are a lot of clever-sounding sayings that make the rounds among Christians, and one of these is eat the meat, and spit out the bones. Many have written to exhort me to do this, and they mean that I shouldnt worry so much about exposing error. They wonder why I cant just eat the meat, and spit out the bones.There is a bit of truth to this saying, in that Gods people are always to exercise biblical discernment when hearing sermons or reading Christian books. We are to prove all things; hold fast that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).But the Bible also twice warns that a little leaven leaventh the whole lump (1 Cor. 5:7; Gal. 5:9) and exhorts us to mark and avoid those who teach doctrine contrary to that which we have learned in Scripture (Rom. 16:17). There is great danger in eating the wrong spiritual meat!What if the meat is rotten or poisoned or hasnt been cooked or properly stored? The U.S. government regulates how restaurants must cook meat, because undercooked meat is dangerous. When I worked in a restaurant in my youth, I was taught to handle the meat very carefully and to store it properly, because it spoils easily. If you eat meat that is spoiled or poisoned or undercooked, even if you spit out the bones, you will be in trouble. The writings of men like Brian McLaren and Richard Foster and Chuck Colson and Rick Warren contain plenty of rotten meat. Those who advise Gods people to eat the meat, and spit out the bones, must explain to us how they know that this meat is safe.Also, what if the bones have splinters or what if you get a bone stuck in your throat? When I was growing up in Florida, I went fishing often with my dad and granddad, and they were careful about which fish they kept and which they threw away, because some had too many bones to eat safely. And Mom was very careful to keep an eye on us when we were eating fish because of the ever-present danger of getting a bone stuck in our throats. This happened from time to time anyway, and it was a very unpleasant thing and, in fact, can be fatal. Likewise, very few Christians are able to wade through sermons or books by compromising preachers on their own and expertly spit out all of the bones of error.And what if you dont know the difference between meat and bones? A toddler doesnt know the difference, and if it tries to eat meat and spit out bones, it will quickly be in trouble. Likewise, the average Christian today is far too biblically ignorant and carnal to distinguish properly between truth and cleverly presented error.My friends, beware of clever sayings that arent supported by Scripture.We live in a shallow, apostate, carnal age, and it behooves us to study the Bible diligently and to think biblically!!!![/i]
Good post Krispy.This saying has always bothered me. The problem with bones being in the meat is that they are not giant, fluorescent and glowing, but are often disguised and hidden deep within. At times they are so small they are not even noticed until lodged deep within the throat.Bones can KILL.It would do us all good to remember that 99% of a rattlesnake is safe and harmless.Thanks for this brother.
_________________TJ
It would do us all good to remember that 99% of a rattlesnake is safe and harmless.
what a great post brother. thanks it was well worth the time to read.
_________________Demetrius
My friends, beware of clever sayings that arent supported by Scripture.
_________________Mike Balog
In fact, was it not the fire of God the roasted the meat on the altar in the OT. It was not 'cooked' by strange fire, but by the actual fire of God. There is no undercooking or rotten meat on His altar. However, when man does it...Another cliche that has irked me is, [i]don't be so heavenly minded that your no earthly good[/i]
_________________RICH
Ruach34 I cannot take that one myself. When I hear it I think of colossians 3:1-3 and wonder if they have ever read it before. just goes to prove we have a bunch of echos in the pulpit and not a lot of voices today . Men say these things often times because they heard someone else say it and it has to them this "ring to it" but it is not biblical.Colossians 3:1-31Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ,who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Be blessed dear brothers and sisters :-)
EAT THE MEAT, SPIT OUT THE BONES
Another cliche that has irked me is, don't be so heavenly minded that your no earthly good
_________________Jordan
Great post, Krispy.Yet, one is still constantly having to do this in one sense or another. For example, there are people on this forum who hold to positions I do not agree with. So, how should one respond? Should one challenge each and every one? or let it go? In my mind, unless it is a very serious issue, I seem to think that in God's own time he will reveal His perfect will to these persons - if they are open to it. All of us are in a learning mode: no one knows everything - even when we think we do - and it just might be that I need some enlightenment but in the meantime I need to search the Scriptures to see what it does say about this issue.Just my thoughts...ginnyrose
_________________Sandra Miller
Thank you so much for posting this! This is something that I have heard a lot lately. I too wonder how many bones we have to swallow in order to get to the meat of some things...and how many of those bones are deadly.Great post =0)Dawn
_________________Dawn