Freedom, health freedom and otherwise, has been highlighted in these past few years as never before. I have never told a client or written in a post or newsletter that what I was sharing was the only or right way. Never. Because I don’t have all the answers and we are all unique. God made each of us to be a one of a kind masterpiece. I freely admit I don’t have all the answers and I regularly update information I have shared in the past as new information comes to light. Things change daily.
I have written blogs and newsletters about nutrition. There have long been controversies about whether vegetarian or vegan or plant-based diets are “healthier” than those that include animal foods. I am very open about the fact that I believe a combination of plant and animal foods is best. However I have worked with vegetarians and have some in my own family and I fully respect their preferences. I have the right to my opinion as much as they do to theirs. As long as there is mutual respect, in my book it’s all good.
You may think this is a fairly recent controversy but it really isn’t These verses from the book of Romans in the Passion Translation are quite clear:
“Offer an open hand of fellowship to welcome every true believer, even though their faith may be weak and immature. And refuse to engage in debates with them concerning nothing more than opinions.
For example, one believer has no problem with eating all kinds of food, but another with weaker faith will eat only vegetables. The one who eats freely shouldn’t judge and look down on the one who eats only vegetables. And the vegetarian must not judge and look down on the one who eats everything. Remember, God has welcomed him and taken him as his partner.
Why would you judge your brothers or sisters because of their diet, despising them for what they eat or don’t eat? For we each will have our turn to stand before God’s judgment seat.” Romans 14:1-3, 10
(First of all, I am NOT saying if you don’t eat meat you are weak. So do not misunderstand or focus on that one part of the verse.)
We are human and all have our own thoughts, beliefs, ideas, experiences and opinions. What we have to be aware of is not forcing our opinions on others. Remember I am talking here specifically about health, but this would relate to just about any subject. I find it especially important as the mother of adults who often do things differently than I would suggest. I have learned the importance of not sharing an opinion unless asked specifically. I think that’s actually a good idea in most cases. It would certainly create more peace and acceptance.
How do you feel about getting unsolicited advice?
Want to see more articles like this? Subscribe to this blog (just click on “Follow”) and get each new post delivered to your email or feed reader. To follow me and get even more tips on how to live your life in 3-D, including improving your diet, choosing cutting edge nutritional products and effective weight loss strategies be sure to like me on Facebook here and here, sign up for my FREE weekly No-Nonsense Nutrition Report (and get a free gift!), follow me on Pinterest and Twitter!
Make gradual changes. Boost health, vitality and energy. Become your best YOU
3-D Vitality 
I am the unique individual who likes the offer of other’s wisdom, but I totally get what you are saying and find that most people don’t want advice. I can see them making a mistake with their bike, for example, but its best to wait and let them ask. We have such weak self-esteems. Here is the funny thing about animal foods and plant foods. The plant foodies are swinging the pendulum. I went looking for some organic protein powder. Everything I found that was organic was plant protein. I only found one or two whey protein powders on the shelves. I am trying the overnight oats but I need to bump up the protein a little.
Ivey I have found, particularly in this instance regarding plant and animal foods that people who won’t eat animal foods are almost
fanatic about it. Even those who don’t feel well and are not doing well – they almost will never consider maybe it’s the diet. I’ve know several who grew up vegan or vegetarian and were dealing with health issues and eventually decided to add some animal foods and things improved. But you have to be very careful about making suggestions. That’s my experience anyway.
Amen Ms. Ann. We can offer the best counsel we know, using the gifts God has equipped us with, but it is up to each person to choose for themselves. Well said ma’am. As I’ve long said, “You can lead a horse to water, and he can either drink or you can let him drown himself.” 🙂
Exactly J.D.! Thank you.
AMEN!
I don’t mind advice if someone who has my best interest at heart sees a blind spot and can offer me guidance I might not know I need. But I’m not down with anyone telling me what I should do with my body–especially if they can’t be trusted or are not leading by example.
Great Post!
AMEN to that Holly!!!