Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Welcome to the world of Pastor Mike! He’s cheerful, he’s happy, he is so relaxed, and all because he makes that morning stop at Chick-fil-A! It must be the friendly smiles of the servers, or maybe it is the fresh smell of hot biscuits and bacon with a smidgen of that special sauce. You just can’t beat a good old Lancaster County country breakfast! And why does he come with a giant-sized smile on his face from that morning stop at one of best fast-food places between Rockvale and Peach Bottom Road? Because he and several other million Americans recognize this is a special place that exists to do one thing….to bring Glory to God.
OUR DAMAGED WORLD
Lately, I haven’t been too positive about what is happening in our world and in our culture. War is all around: between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Gaza, and the gender battles. There is the shutdown of the government, and the horrible plight of the Christians in Nigeria. I could go on and on, recalling the many damages sin has inflicted on this world.
NOT THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE
It reminds me of the book written by Cornelius Plantinga, “Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin”. He makes the point that sin has been an intruder in all aspects of our lives. What God intended for this world was “Shalom” or peace, not the cries of hate and destruction.
THE STORY OF CHICK-FIL-A
However, because of people like Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, there is more in this world than just the ugliness of sin. Cathy began his career as a restaurateur in 1946 and opening his first Chick-fil-A in 1967. It had always been the desire of his family to bring glory to God. They did this by having a “not open on Sunday policy”. Furthermore, they gave scholarships to their employees, sponsored summer camps for boys and girls, and started a foundation that helps young families. The list goes on and on. This is a business that puts people before profits and all the while brings praise to our Heavenly Father.
MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
So, how do we keep from becoming discouraged and depressed because of all the hateful things being done all over the world? We pray, enter into conversation, and act whenever we can. And we continue to pray. Believers are called to introduce men and women to Christ, to take part in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). We grieve for the sins of the world, but we also know God. In His sovereignty, He has chosen us to be a part of bringing about change. Mr. Cathy, as he sells his chicken sandwiches, is touching the world with the Gospel by being a part of the ministry of reconciliation.
And so, the next time you see Pastor Mike coming out of Chick-fil-A, just remember, he is there to support the work of bringing men and women to Jesus Christ. That is why he has such a beautiful smile on his face. If you are really friendly, he might even buy you one!