“The pig, because it divides the hoof but does not chew the cud, it is unclean for you.” Deuteronomy 14:8
For you. Those two little words add tension. There are instructions in Torah that set the Jewish people apart from their neighbors. They dress differently, eat differently, and worship differently. Is a pig inherently bad? I don’t think so. God made it. But He says to the Israelites, “it is unclean for you.” Two words that separate them to be holy, literally set apart, or sanctified for God’s purposes. God was telling the world who He is through this people and it is important that they are clearly identified.
God also calls His church to be holy, set apart, for His use and glory. John 17 says that we will look different because of the love we have for one another. While God may not give us our own kosher laws, in learning to love and be a Jesus follower, I may recognize God saying, 'Jen, there are certain things not for you." I have made a choice to not watch certain types of movies. I have friends that choose not to consume alcohol or wear certain clothing. There are things we individually do or don’t do that affect our appearance, our financial lifestyle and our thought life. All because we understand God to be telling us, "this isn't for you."
Of course there are certain pronouncements for all. Love your neighbor. Bless the poor. Don’t engage in sexual misconduct, be drunk, or lie. But I need to be mindful when I come across a “for you” that pertains to me.
Maybe God has told me to refrain from something for His glory, for His story. Maybe He has given me the boundary for my own protection. Whichever the case, I need to remember that this instruction is for me. And that it may not be for you. But if you have freedom in that area, it doesn’t give me a right to ignore it. I must carefully discern what He has for me.
Lord, help me hear Your every word with clarity, including those two important words.
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. I Corinthians 6:12
