Chiming in on the Chick-fil-A controversy

Now that the whole Chick-fil-A debacle has mostly passed, can I just share my opinions on the subject?

First of all, the CEO of an openly Christian company that is closed on Sunday is asked his opinion on gay marriage, and he states it in a very non-hateful manner, and the whole world explodes.  I don't understand why anyone is surprised!  And it seems that the people who preach tolerance and accuse Christians of being hateful really are very intolerant and hateful themselves. 

And yet even though this whole issue makes me annoyed and mad, I don't think that Chick-fil-A appreciation day was a wise choice.

For the record, I agree with Chick-fil-A's stance on gay marriage and I am proud of them for standing by what they believe.  And I absolutely 100% believe in standing up for our rights as Americans to have freedom of speech.

But here's the thing.  Standing in line and buying a chicken sandwich really does nothing to ensure that you keep those rights.  All it does is make a statement.  A fighting statement.  A retaliation statement.  An "us vs. them" statement.  Even if that was not the intention.  And that is not a loving reaction.  If you want to stand up for your rights, then vote for leaders who will uphold those rights.

I may get in trouble for saying this, but we are Christians before we are Americans.  It is more important to be the hands and feet and love of Jesus than it is to fight for our rights.  We represent Christ and we have to be very cognizant of how our actions will be viewed. Isn't He supposed to be our standard?  When Jesus was persecuted to the point of death, he did not fight, he did not rage, he didn't even speak.  And yet his actions spoke volumes.

Here is a quote by Rick Warren that I think is excellent. “Our culture has accepted two huge lies: The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear them or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate."

I know I might get some flack for this post because it is controversial.  And please know that if you are reading this and you went to Chick-fil-A day, I don't think any less of you.  This is just what I have been convicted about as I read the news.

I'm going to end with a few verses that have been swimming through my head as I write this.



"A gentle answer turns away wrath,  but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."  Matthew 5:39

"Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22:37-40

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:29-32

"If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother." 1 John 4:20-21

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."  1 Peter 3:8-12

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”  says the Lord."  Romans 12:19

^"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside."  1 Corinthians 5:12-13