Vegans - Romans 14:2-23

Having warned about “doubtful disputations,” Paul goes on to give examples of ways that members can use to create problems with others. Paul mainly focuses on disputes that arise from differences in people’s diets. This is interesting because we are having a pretty large mix up in my family about this. My daughter is vegetarian and working on becoming vegan, and many of my family members are working on becoming vegan, and it’s causing quite a stir among some other members of my family. Ultimately, we are all doing what we’re doing for our own reasons, but actually, my brother used to make fun of my daughter for being vegan and when the Come, Follow Me lesson on this chapter was discussed in Sunday School, my brother realized that he wasn’t being helpful and decided to stop making fun of my daughter because of her diet. So, Paul’s teachings in action.

Paul contrasts the experiences of two people, one who “believeth that he may eat all things” and “another, who is weak, eateth herbs (vegetables).” I don’t think that Paul is referring to the vegetarian as being weal because of his diet, but is giving an example of how someone who is spiritually weak might be ostracized for his diet instead of being built up in the gospel. Paul counsels us to mind our own business when it comes to other people’s lifestyles and diets, because really, their choices are between them and the Savior, and has nothing to do with us.
Paul makes a really interesting analogy here saying, “who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? To his own master he standest or falleth.” I thought about this and really, this would be like telling someone that they aren’t doing their job right when you don’t even work in the industry. Because really, we might be doing the same job as them, but we don’t work in the personal development and forgiveness industry so really, we don’t know how they are doing and sticking our nose in the middle of their business with their boss (God) is only going to cause problems for us and them. We don’t know how other people’s relationship with God are, and we just need to keep our nose out of their business.
It’s not just diet and eating habits that can cause problems between people, but also holy days and culture and observances. Paul says that Christ died for us and the people who have different opinions than us. Why are we treating our fellow servants so terribly when we are going to be judged by God the same way that they are? What we need to focus on isn’t our judgment of others but “that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” We don’t need to worry about if what every one else is doing is right, we need to make sure that we ourselves aren’t causing problems for any one else. Living peaceably is what we need to focus on for ourselves most importantly.
Interestingly, Paul tells us to swallow our pride when it comes to others’ offences, because they are “for whom Christ died.” Jesus’ sacrifice was just as much for everyone else as it was for me, and it’s important that I don’t poison anyone against the gospel by holding to concepts that don’t matter, such as diet. Ultimately, “the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.” More important than our culture and customs is our desire and ability to serve God.
The IM explains, “Paul pointed out that some Church members chose to ‘eat all things’ while others chose to eat only ‘herbs,’ or in other words, vegetables. Those who ate only vegetables were likely Jewish converts, while those who ate other foods were probably Gentile converts. In addition, some Church members chose to follow Jewish customs, practices, and holidays. These differences in personal practices led to divisions among Saints in Rome and other locations. In response to this problem, Paul taught that many personal choices concerning diet and other practices were no addressed by any specific commandment.
Therefore, these were matters to be decided between the individual and the Lord. Paul taught that we should not impose our private interpretation on fellow Church members or pass judgment on those who live differently. On the other hand, Church members should consider the effect of their personal practices on others and be willing to forgo some actions if they might cause another to stumble spiritually. Promoting peace and edification in the Church is a higher priority than maintaining personal preferences. Some actions and priorities simply matter more than others.”
This reminds me of the lady who got up in testimony meeting and said “the only way to keep the Sabbath day holy is to cook your meals in a crock pot.” I don’t feel like that is doctrine anywhere, and it’s an example of how someone’s personal opinion can overshadow the “Spirit of the law.” Just imagine how someone who wasn’t strong enough in the gospel might feel if they heard that and didn’t cook their meals in a crock pot on Sunday. This is a relatively benign example of the principle that Paul’s talking about in action, but it’s statements and attitudes like this that cause problems with in our congregations. Let’s just remember that it’s more important to help others with their struggles in the gospel than to preserve our own personal opinions.