Stick a Fork In Me, I’m Done.

For generations, it was a battleground not only between the classes but also between religion and culture. When it first was introduced, the clergy condemned its use outright, arguing it went against the creation and God’s providence. Hundreds of years later, a noblewoman was rebuked for her ‘excessive sign of refinement’ for using it and when she later died of the plague, clergymen preached her death was divine punishment for her using it and a warning to all not to follow in her example. Men that used it were labeled as finicky and effeminate. Women that used it were labeled ‘Beyond Belief’! For many, it reeked of privilege and class distinction.[1]

What could be so divisive and controversial? Of all things, it was the fork.

It isn’t just our ancestors that find some interesting ways to stretch the spiritual into the everyday. It amazes me how many folks will pull faith into arguments from politics, to legal matters, to customs, to food, even to grammar! While our faith is a part of our entire lives, we need to be careful we don’t make matters of personal opinion test of faithfulness.

But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

2^nd Timothy 2:23

There are too many things of importance to get bogged down in arguments over things that of little importance. We need to less quick to judge and condemn others over every little thing. Those types of argument are detrimental to the cause of Christ. Those that persist in doing it are destroying themselves and others (Titus 3:9-11).

It is time to stick a fork in and be done with the trivialities.

[1] Source: Panati’s Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things by Charles Panati

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