If you watch the news, you will find stories about atrocities happening all over the world such as those occurring in Syria. You will see stories about gun ownership brought about by the tragedy at the movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. Right now, there a lots of political ads running. But recently, some of the biggest news has been about of all things, a chicken sandwich. The media seemed overwhelmed with stories about how mean and hateful a man named Dan Cathy is because he voiced his point of view about the definition of marriage. Mr. Cathy is the son of Chik-fil-A founder Truett Cathy. Chik-fil-A, which is a Christian owned fast food restaurant, is the parent company of an organization called WinShape. Mr. Cathy, Chik-fil-A and Winshape are being criticized for making donations to evangelical groups such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Focus on the Family. These groups promote Christian values and morals. However, according to gay rights activists, these groups demonize the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community on a daily basis. While there may be some individuals that use Christianity as an excuse to do this, the majority of Christians, churches and Christian organizations reach out to all people and do not demonize anyone; and that includes the owner of Chik-fil-A.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13
As we consider God's instructions for us as individuals and as a body of believers, let's also consider Chik-fil-A's philosphy of service. They have taken Biblical principles and put them into action which is a big part of their success. And it is sad to say that a fast food restaurant does a better job of hospitality than some churches. From the moment you enter until you leave the employees at Chik-fil-A are intentionally kind, considerate and friendly. As a church, we should treat the people who come to our church the same way. We should go out of our way to "honor one another" above ourselves. This is especially true when someone new visits our church. We should go out of our way to "practice hospitality". We are to use hospitality like a mechanic uses tools. We should intentionally use ourselves as tools for God.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:8-10
Treating people right; showing hospitality should be our norm. Leaders are to be required to be friendly to strangers. If we all make an attempt to reach out to someone in our church, people who are attending the first time will all be reached. You do not know the burden a person carries as they enter the our doors. They may have no idea what brought them here. Statistics tell us that a person has determined in the first 5-7 minutes if they will ever return. So the first impression they get from us is important.
We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited 2 Corinthians 6:3
We don't want a lack of kindness to be a stumbling block to anyone's path to the Lord. We want all to have their hearts open to the Lord.
Chik-fil-A can also teach us the a lesson by the fact that they do one thing and they do it well. The one purpose God has given us is to reach people with the gospel and show them how God loves them and to help them know Him and grow in His love. Jesus gave us this Great Commission:
Chik-fil-A can also teach us the a lesson by the fact that they do one thing and they do it well. The one purpose God has given us is to reach people with the gospel and show them how God loves them and to help them know Him and grow in His love. Jesus gave us this Great Commission:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
As we reach out in Jesus' name, He has given us an awesome responsiblity that we can be involved in the ministry of reconciliation. God is all about reconciliation and His desire for all of us is to be reconciled to Him and for us to be involved and helping others do the same.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
We need to remember to major on the major and not minor on the minor. We need to major on the one thing God has called us to do. Don't let the minor stuff get in our way of doing the main thing He has called us to do.
Another thing we can learn from Chik-fil-A is that they are family friendly. They provide a friendly atmosphere that is kid friendly and their stand alone restaurants have play areas and they have meals just for children that include toys. Our children are growing up in a very different world than we did. We need to do all we can for our children and for young families. In today's culture the truth can get twisted so easily and Christian guidance and morals are consider to be negative. We need to be positive to one another, especially to our children.
Another thing we can learn from Chik-fil-A is that they are family friendly. They provide a friendly atmosphere that is kid friendly and their stand alone restaurants have play areas and they have meals just for children that include toys. Our children are growing up in a very different world than we did. We need to do all we can for our children and for young families. In today's culture the truth can get twisted so easily and Christian guidance and morals are consider to be negative. We need to be positive to one another, especially to our children.
These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Deuteronomy 6:1-2
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
In today's world of technology, we sometimes become too involved with electronics and pass on the talking. But God wants us to be more intentional in our everyday lives - not just on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. This should be a normal part of our everyday life. It is great instruction for a family and for our church family.
The final lesson we can learn from Chik-fil-A comes from the fact that they treat their employees well. Chik-fil-A is closed on Sunday. Their purpose in doing so is stated on their website: "Chick-fil-A Operators and their Restaurant employees should have an opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and worship if they choose to do so." This statement says nothing of forcing their employees to attend church, but they merely offer them the opportunity. They appreciate and treat their employees well. If you serve in any capacity at NVF, your service is greatly appreciated. To those who do visible things that all can see and those who do things that are not quite so visible and those who do things offsite - Thank You! Thank you for all that you do. Jesus said that those who serve are the greatest.
Treating people right is so important. It is important how we treat each other and especially those who come here for the first time. Let's practice hospitality and continue everyday to have a welcoming spirit. May we do the ONE thing with our best effort - to help win and equip disciples for Christ. Let's make sure we stay family friendly and we welcome EVERYONE with open arms. May we commit to be the church that God can use, that treats people right.
The final lesson we can learn from Chik-fil-A comes from the fact that they treat their employees well. Chik-fil-A is closed on Sunday. Their purpose in doing so is stated on their website: "Chick-fil-A Operators and their Restaurant employees should have an opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and worship if they choose to do so." This statement says nothing of forcing their employees to attend church, but they merely offer them the opportunity. They appreciate and treat their employees well. If you serve in any capacity at NVF, your service is greatly appreciated. To those who do visible things that all can see and those who do things that are not quite so visible and those who do things offsite - Thank You! Thank you for all that you do. Jesus said that those who serve are the greatest.
Treating people right is so important. It is important how we treat each other and especially those who come here for the first time. Let's practice hospitality and continue everyday to have a welcoming spirit. May we do the ONE thing with our best effort - to help win and equip disciples for Christ. Let's make sure we stay family friendly and we welcome EVERYONE with open arms. May we commit to be the church that God can use, that treats people right.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:18a
Have you reconciled your life to Him?
