Who Knew Chicken was So Controversial?

This week I supported a political cause. Let me start by saying that for the most part I am not a political person. Certainly, I have definite beliefs and viewpoints regarding the government and its relationship to citizens, but I don't particularly enjoy all the rhetoric. However, I do recognize that we live in age of the church where the relationship between religion and state is under attack...one nation under God, indivisible appears to be a source of controversy. The fact is, the American church when compared to the rest of the world's believers is blessed. We don't suffer the physical obstacles that most believers do in other parts of the world to practice their faith. We don't suffer threats of death, torture or martyrdom. Our form of persecution comes in a completely different fashion and it involves what speaks the loudest in our nation...the dollar. Recently the founder of Chick-filet was interviewed for a Baptist publication. He was asked about his definition of marriage and he affirmed his biblical belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. Because he did not waiver from this, in order to please man or...in other words potential customers, he was attacked. The gay and lesbian community went on the offensive suggesting boycotts and media smearing. In some cities, public elected officials suggested that the restaurant not be allowed to open new franchises. Remember, he was simply asked what he believed.
Persecution: to oppress or harass with ill treatment especially on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or beliefs.
As believers this should come as no surprise that a successful business who stands on biblical values was eventually attacked.

The bible says....." In fact, EVERYONE, who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is part of our faith walk with Christ. If you stand firm on what you say you believe, you will be challenged. Period.

Why did I eat at Chick-filet? First let me say why I did not eat there. I did not eat there because I hate gay people. I did not eat there because I wanted to make a political statement. I did not want to hurt anyone by eating there; I have gay friends who I interact with daily. In fact, I interact daily with countless people. Some are Christian, some are not. Some live godly lifestyles. Many do not. I try very hard not to distinguish my kindness toward them. I do however distinguish my closeness; I am very careful what influences I allow into my life and my heart.  It is my goal on a daily basis to show everyone I meet the love of Christ. I sometimes fail, but I aim to live blamelessly trying. I ate there because as a Christian business owner who is an American, I will stand up for my religious beliefs and my ability to pursue my constitutional rights without fear of government appraisals. I knew that eating there would probably upset some people who would see my decision as a statement of my opinion on their beliefs. In fact, I was called a bigot and 'celebrater of hatred' on my facebook page. As believers we will all be called at times to affirm if we really believe what we say we do. You will have to decide in that moment whether you are living to please God or man. I would argue  that as we mature in our faith, the more we aim try to please God. "If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Jesus Christ." Galations 1:10
Sometimes stepping across that line will even mean being at odds with your own family. (Luke 14:26)

The fact of the matter is that I don't view homosexuality any differently than any other sin or area of disobedience to God. I believe in Jesus and that the bible is true. The bible says that this way of life is wrong and an affront to our creator....just like adultery, lying, stealing, etc. When a person elevates an act of disobedience to a place in their life where it is above the word of God and therefore it determines how they live the rest of their life, the fact of the matter is, that becomes their religion. Jesus is not just our Savior...he is our Lord. Yes, he does show tremendous mercy. Many blogs written against Christians eating at Chick-filet said that we were not being loving or showing mercy by doing so. I disagree. I did not attack anyone for their beliefs or practices or tell them that they had to change; I merely stood firm in my own. In America, the dollars speaks. I put my money where my mouth is...literally, with a chicken sandwich and a peach milkshake (which was divine, by the way). Furthermore, I tithe and allocate my monies to numerous other social causes as the Spirit leads me.  When as Christians we are attacked (and remember who started this fight), we are simply called to do just that. Just stand. I'm sorry, but standing firm in unity is not being hateful. God will do the fighting. Further, every instance in the bible where Jesus showed mercy to a sinner, he ultimately challenged them to change. "Go and sin no more." (John 8:11/ God will accept you just the way you are, but he will not leave you that way. THIS IS THE CONTROVERSY.  We don't change people, God does.  This should be our message as Christians to the non-believing world. Love the person, encourage them to know God more, and he will do the changing from the inside out.
The most interesting thing about this whole chicken sandwich business was watching people. I saw every range of human belief, emotion, and expression. A huge majority were too lazy to really know what the whole thing was about. Don't do the homework, but still have an opinion. The most enlightening for me was the reaction of professed believers. I saw a lot of expressions of what I would call, "Fast Food Christianity" , if you'll pardon the pun. These are believers who subscribe to the  message that will satisfy for the moment, but not necessarily nourish the soul. It's not what's best, but what is popular and easy.  Even Christians called this an act of hate and didn't stand with their Christian brothers and sisters. The worst I thought was so called 'bible scholars' who twisted scripture to suit their agenda. This was downright scary. People were quoting scripture left and right. For some it became confusing. God is not a God of confusion; his message is simple. Not easy, but simple. The interesting thing is that the bible tells us that this is exactly what will happen towards the end of days/this age of the church.  "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,  and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,  but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 24. 
As the church, we should not attack each other for affirming God's word. The outside world will be quick to do that. If someone felt that eating at Chick-filet was a stumbling block to others, then don't do it. God will examine your conscience and affirm if you are correct. But in the meantime, we shouldn't attack our believing brothers/sisters.