Are all Adventists vegetarians? Will I have to give up my morning cup of coffee? Does baptism mean no more TV? As a new Adventist, how do you distinguish between church doctrine and personal choice? What is an Adventist lifestyle? As Adventists, we pride ourselves on our adherence to biblical truth, so let’s look at what the Bible has to say about Christian lifestyle.
"Therefore, my brothers, I implore you by God’s mercy to offer your very selves to him: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance, the worship offered by mind and heart. Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world, but let your minds be remade and your whole nature thus transformed. Then you will be able to discern the will of God, and to know what is good, acceptable, and perfect" (Romans 12:1, 2 NEB).
These verses clearly point out the transforming nature of Christianity. They also emphasize our relationship with Christ, and therein lies the key. As Adventist Christians, we believe that we have entered into a partnership with Christ. There are three important aspects of this partnership.
1. Christ has the controlling interest. We recognize His Lordship over us and our dependence upon Him.
2. The partnership is unlimited. Adventists are holistic Christians. Our Christianity affects the way we spend our time and money, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the words we say—because everything we do makes an impact upon our relationship with Christ.
3. The partnership must grow and strengthen or it will fail. When you were baptized, you began a process—the process of becoming like Christ. That’s what being a Christian is all about.
How can I know what a 21st-century Jesus would do in my place? I must get to know Him and develop a personal relationship with Him through Bible study, prayer, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and through Christian fellowship. By beholding Him, I will be changed into His likeness. "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him" (Philippians 2:13 NLT).
We’ve talked about the principles and the resources, but we still haven’t answered the question whether or not all Adventists are vegetarians. What is the Adventist lifestyle as it applies to health, stewardship, interpersonal relationships, leisure activities, and adornment?
Some people believe that Adventism is completely prescriptive. It isn't. The disciples decided early on not to "burden" new members with a long list of do's and don'ts (see Acts 15:22–33)—although you will find some members who will try to share their burden with you.
Paul cautions new believers not to let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or let anyone disqualify you for the prize. The key to success is to continually let Jesus Christ be Lord of your life (see Colossians 2).
I am thankful that my church emphasizes my personal connection with Christ and leaves room for individual differences. We don’t all see things the same way, and we don’t all grow at the same rates. There is room in Adventism for personal spiritual growth and personal expressions of faith.
Merely believing a set of doctrines and following a list of do’s and don’ts will not change you into a loving, Christ-like Christian. That will only happen during the life-long process of allowing Jesus to be your very best Friend.
Portions of this article were adapted by Ann Fisher, Lake Union Herald managing editor, from Welcome to the Family, an out-of-print book published jointly by Home Study International and the North American Division, and used with permission.
