You’ve no doubt heard the sayings, “eat the meat and spit out the bones,” and, “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” These are interesting metaphors for how we as Christians should somehow accept truth with just a tiny little lie baked in. As if there is such a thing.
There isn’t. Truth with even a hint of error = Terror.
Sometimes when you bring concerns to your church leaders about a popular teaching or teacher that seems a little “off,” you might be met with defensive scolding or told, “We eat the meat and spit out the bones.” (In other words, we are wise enough to use just the good parts of the teaching and avoid the false stuff), or, “Be careful you don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” (Don’t dismiss a false teaching completely, or you’ll throw out the good stuff along with it.)
This advice is not only not helpful, it goes against the many warnings God gives us to steer clear of error. We are to avoid error and lies at all costs. Because bones in meat can cause great harm. And if you are honest with yourself, that really isn’t a sweet little baby in that dank sludge of the enemy’s lies.
Instead, we are to be wise with what we read, listen to, and promote. Whether it’s Christian music artists, popular books, a new film that depicts a “sort-of” Jesus, or a livestream from a celebrity pastor.
Because the attractive man-made promises that sound so good pale when you compare them to the pure, bathwater-free milk and the boneless, clean meat of God’s perfect Word.
Yes, sometimes mature believers can consume the man-given meat and be discerning enough to spit out the bones. Sure, if you are cautious you can avoid choking to death, but why eat meat off that plate? If you’re eating around bones and gristle, how can you be an example for newer Christians watching and learning from you?
Christians who are newer in their faith might need their meat cut for them, or perhaps stick to the milk until their church can disciple them in wisdom and truth. Because we know that wolves in sheep’s clothing are looking for such sheep. And – if given the opportunity – will add just a tiny little bit of poison to the plate.
Truth is free of danger. There are no bones in Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Thoughts?
More:
Let’s stop snuggling the wolves
When seemingly solid pastors fail to protect women
Breaking the “theological bricks” and unlearning lies
The Progressive Disease of Spiritual Deception in Our Time
