Chew the Meat, Spit Out the Bones. Sound Advice or a Dangerous Lie?

You may be able to chew the meat and spit out the bones, but you can’t chew the meat and spit out the poison.

Maybe you’ve heard part or all of this clever expression, and while it may be quite clever, it’s also rather concerning.

I‘ve actually heard it quoted a couple times recently, once during a conversation between Allie Beth Stuckey and Dr. Neil Shenvi, and Dr. Shenvi’s addition of the poison component resonated so very deeply in my troubled heart.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the seeming innocence of the first part of this expression in juxtaposition to the dangerous toxicity of the latter half.

In light of the many false narratives circulating among our culture and the false gospels creeping into our churches, I’m feeling an urge to call it out — not to stir the pot, but to stir your heart.

What “gospel” are you reading? And who are you believing? Are you listening and learning out of guilt? Are you being convinced your very moral foundation must be rebuilt?

There are a lot of new ideologies floating around out there, with seemingly innocent and somewhat good messages, but the truth of the matter is, there is only one truth that matters — the Gospel Truth.

You can try to explain it away by using phrases like “Chew the meat and spit out the bones” or “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

But when it comes to what we are teaching and preaching as truth, what we are accepting and allowing in our hearts and minds as a way of life, there comes a time when we must draw the line.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT

You may simply feel inundated with it all right now, but before you know you’ll be indoctrinated by it all somehow.

I’m pleading with you, now more than ever, hold fast to truth. There are toxic and poisonous messages being sent out like fiery darts by the enemy. He is seeking to steal, kill, and destroy lives by twisting the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

These messages are cheapening grace. These false gospels are rewriting redemption, reconciliation, and restoration. These ideologies are tainting the truth, and they are not open to rebuke.

So beware. Be aware. Be wise.

The poison symbol itself is a visual of the dangers of this expression. A skull and crossbones — bones you should be able spit out could be the very poison that will fill you with doubt and eventually take you out.

“You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you.” Galatians‬ ‭5:7-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Don’t be fooled into thinking something’s a bone when it’s actually poison.

You may be able to chew the meat and spit out the bones, but you can’t chew the meat and spit out the poison.