This is a hard blog to write, mostly because every ounce of my stubborn, strong-willed agricultural self wants to kick and scream. But, it reveals important biblical truth. Yet again, a controversial topic recently came up within my team: The environmental effects, and ethics, of animal (specifically beef) production.
This isn’t the first time I’ve had literal “team beef.” To preface, for the first four months of the Race, I lived with two vegans. I’ve since switched teams, but one of my current teammates is a former vegetarian in America.
The conversation went something like this…
“Carl, I’m sending you an article to read.”
I opened the article to roll my eyes and immediately rebuttal an argument about “cow belches” from National Geographic in 2015. As I gave facts and statistics as to why cattle are not the prime contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., I got an irritating reply. My teammate defended her differing beliefs by degrading the USDA. Basically, she doesn’t trust USDA/FDA withdrawal periods or product regulations because she believes those government organizations are corrupt, untrustworthy and don’t want what is best for consumers.
If you’re anything like me, those are FIGHTING words. Instead of acting on my irritation, I took it to God.
Ironically, the morning of our disagreement, I read Romans 14. (If you need a swift kick in the butt and sound advice, start there.)
Here are verses that stuck out to me.
“Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat any certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.” Romans 14:3
“And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.” Romans 14:15
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink.” Romans 14:17
“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat.” Romans 14:20
YIKES! Many of you reading this are agriculturalists, livestock producers, or if nothing else, meat eaters.
Most of you fight for the rural, traditional way of life. I’ve seen some of you get heated about the aforementioned topic, and rightfully so. I fully believe in righteous indignation. I’m all about fighting for justice and love when the truth wins out. BUT, living in community with many who have different beliefs has taught me a lot about how we interact when facing opposition.
I think those of us who are passionate about agriculture often catch backlash and then react irrationally. I get it… trust me. But, is it Christlike? Do we care more about our careers/lifestyles and defending ourselves than we do about leading people to Christ? In the end, is our steak going to lead us to fellowship in eternity? Doubtful. Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Seriously, don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.
I want to leave you all with something to chew on. Regardless of which side of the argument you stand on, if you’re a believer, you can make a change. Shift the way you engage with those who disagree with you. Love people regardless if they support your eating habits. Challenge yourself to see the other person with the lens of Christ, not with pissed-off-attacked-again defense. I promise you, I’m working to do the same.
