Leviticus 11:1 And the Lord spake unto"... "them, 2 "Saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. 3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. 4 Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof"... 7 "The swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. 8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
This passage of scripture outlines for us some of the unclean meats that should never be ingested by humans, and the method for determining what is clean and what is unclean is also given. Prominent amongst the forbidden foods is the swine, a scavenger which has become very popular as an article of food on our tables as a nation, and which is responsible for a host of diseases and ailments that can otherwise be prevented. But what is missing in the entire chapter of Leviticus 11 is a list of fruit and vegetables that are clean, and fit for use, and so, in order that we may find out the format for choosing our fruit and veggies, we will need to return to God's original diet for man, which is found in the book of Genesis. Let's read:
Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Since that time when God gave us these instructions, very great changes have taken place in our world, to the point where we now have over 80% of all our food being genetically modified, a practice that has become necessary, since the earth has to be coaxed more and more in order to sustain its teeming multitudes with food. And as a result we have dangerous bacteria and germs and organisms occurring quite frequently in meats and vegetables alike. For instance the deadly Salmonella, Listeria, and E-coli bacteria, are invading more and more of our food supply, and every year they take a toll on the populace, both at home and abroad.
Now, if the federal government issues a series of warnings pertaining to certain infected fruit and vegetables, isn't it not our sacred duty to avoid as far as possible, any contamination or interaction with these items, even though God has given us the original clearance to eat such products? Of course it is our duty and responsibility to take the necessary precautions and avoid ingesting or touching them, for the Bible clearly states that if we deliberately avoid doing that which is good, then our actions become sin, and the word "Good" is a pretty broad word. Let's read:
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
The same principle will also apply to clean meats that have been corrupted by bacteria, deadly organisms, or diseases. Even though God originally gave us clearance to ingest such foods, yet if there is a known potential danger or risk in eating them, then we should do all we can to avoid doing so, just as we would with fruit and vegetables that have become contaminated, but which were previously ordained of God.
In our day a tremendous amount of steroids and unnatural additives are being added to the food supply of animals and birds that are being raised commercially, so that the farmers can realize the greatest gains in the shortest time possible. For instance, whereas in the Caribbean "Free roaming" livestock meant free roaming, and where chickens took the normal time of several months to develop properly, the time has been shortened tremendously to all but a couple weeks, and therefore, even though it is one of the "Clean meats" ordained of God, yet it is possible to commit sin by eating them, if we know that definite harm to our bodies will occur, the same as if we knowingly ate perverted fruit and vegetables.
The fact of the matter is that it is becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to eat right, for the products of the earth are being genetically altered, contrary to God's established order, and thus it behooves us as Christians living in the 21st century, to make wise choices by the grace of God, and avoid as far as possible, putting our lives and health at risk. If we pray and seek that wisdom which is from above, God will show us ways and means that we can navigate the various pitfalls pertaining to diet and foods, and if we really desire to do His perfect will in these matters, He will take up the slack and the shortfalls according to His will, after we have done our very best.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us to depend upon God, by following His instructions in all matters, including diets and foods, through the power and intercession of His Holy Spirit. Let's read:
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!