“Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.”

The problem of false prophets and teachers is not a new one. Those who alter the word of God to suit their own agendas have been here since the garden. Satan started it, and his disciples have continued it. No human being has the authority to change the message from God, whether under Old or New Covenants.

In this particular case, we know that there was confusion about eating things from the altar. Paul addresses the problem in Romans and warns Christians about letting the choice of food destroy relationships. Even the priests, who ate from the altar under the law were not especially benefited. Food, whether from an altar or not, is a physical matter, not a spiritual one. What the child of God needs is the power of grace, not meat, whether offered to idols or not.

Task for Today: Don’t worry about what you will eat or drink? Live on the word of God which is bread to the spirit. Your salvation is not decided by your food choices but by living by the grace of God. Fill your heart with grace rather than your stomach with food. Do not spend so much time thinking about feeding your body that you neglect the soul.