I’m tired of hearing and seeing the debate between Christians and the gay community over our chicken sandwiches. Anyone else?
So why one more post about the Chick-fil-A hoopla?
I think there’s something conservative Christians (myself included) need to hear.
I often worry Christians are more vocal, thus the message heard most often, are conversations revolving around the sanctity of marriage, homosexual rights, abortion, conservative politics and/or religion in politics, when there is a much greater and more eternal message.
Why are Christians more apt to engage in public culture wars, than speak about the work God has done in their own lives? Which is of greater value and importance?
But, truly, how does buying a chicken sandwich reinforce the sanctity of marriage?
How does the transaction of dollars and chicken (or waffle fries) prove an example of a husband loving his wife with the same vigor and commitment that Christ loves the church?
Wouldn’t it be more powerful for husbands and wives to love their spouse fully—to be respectful, kind, self-sacrificing, joyful, and committed—instead of taking to Chick-fil-A to show their support of traditional marriage?
Often it seems the sanctity of marriage argument is a convenient soapbox for Christians instead of an actual belief. It’s hard to look at statistics that say the rate of divorce, adultery, and pornography in the Church is comparable to secular society and accept the “marriage is a sacred institution of God” argument.
Marriage is sacred. But actions speak louder than words.
If you’re neglecting your wife, berating her in public and private,
If you’re completely comfortable yelling at your husband, no matter the audience,
If you’re lusting after other men (or women), whether married or not,
If you’re reluctant to actively support and encourage friends who are struggling in their own marriage,
If you take your anger to bed,
If you’re committed only as long as you’re happy,
If you think to be a husband is to demand servitude,
If you’re unwilling to work through the hard parts of communication and reconciliation,
—then do you truly believe marriage is sacred and holy?
Now I’ve heard this, “But homosexuality is gross and unnatural.”
But aren’t your sins gross and unnatural?
And what is it that leads us to repentance? Is it shame? Public humiliation? Defamation and name-calling? Mockery? Boycotts? Ostracization?
Or is it the kindness of the Lord that leads to repentance?
What speaks more of the Kingdom of God?
A chicken sandwich or a life reflecting Grace?
*applause* Exactly! If we live truth, then the chicken sandwiches won’t become a significant part of the equation (in fact, we wouldn’t be calculating how to make our point all the time) because the answer will already be apparent.
Well said! Thanks for writing it!
I agree with what you wrote. Our lives should be our testimony of biblical marriage. But, I will still be making a trip to Chick-fil-A on Wednesday. Why? Because I want my life to testify to all Christ is and all Christ has done and all Christ requires of me BUT I also want my money to be used as an encouragement to others whom I share similiar beliefs and values with. So, I do agree with what you wrote. I don’t think that buying a chicken sandwhich or some waffle fries will testify to Biblical marriage… I do think that it will encourage a family who is taking a lot of heat for what they believe, when they see a jump in sales on one particular day. Just my opinion though. I love being challenged so thank you for writing the post!
Beautifully said!
Well said. Chik-Fil-A has a right to say what they want, and I have a right to buy or not to buy their product. But truth be known, we do not know the political views or religious views of 95% of the business we support. We all struggle with something, whether it be lying, lust, homosexuality, jealousy, envy, unholy pride, etc. Fortunately, Christ died to redeem all of us. What does trouble me is that in 2012 it has now become sinful (and in some circles, criminal) to speak out against homosexuality and to speak in favor of traditional marriage. The beauty of living in America used to be the freedom to speak your conscience without fear of repercussion. Sadly, this constitutional right seems to now be a thing of the past.
Amen. I think people are missing {several} points in this whole chicken-fight.