I was a bit amazed as I drove by the Chick-Fil-A in Orange this afternoon. At 1:30, the lines were still literally out of the parking lot and into the lot of a certain other fast food chain. Traffic was backed up on the main arterial the Chick-Fil-A sits on. Apparently people wanted to make a statement.
If you have been in Antarctica the last few weeks you need to understand that the owner of Chick-Fil-A, an outspoken evangelical Christian, made some statements against Homosexual Marriage (may I suggest there is no such thing as “Gay”?) and in support of the traditional view of marriage. These statements, while seen as polarizing by some, were not particularly surprising or outrageous.
Of course, very quickly certain people in our society branded him a hate-monger, a homophobe, and a bigot—and called for a boycott of Chick-Fil-A.
And of course, very quickly certain other people called for a “Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day” to show support for the restaurant and the owner.
And now we are told to expect a demonstration of homosexual kissing in front of Chick-Fil-As all over the country on Friday.
And what will come next? Should Donna and I plan to be out front next week kissing each other? Really?
May I make a suggestion? I know it is a bit Quixotic, but what if we all said our peace and then loved each other?
Most homosexuals in our society think Christians who believe homosexual behavior is a sin hate them. Could it be because so many Christians who believe homosexual behavior is a sin DO hate them?
Most Christians who believe homosexuality is a sin believe the homosexual community is the epitome of intolerance and religious bigotry. Could it be because so many of the homosexual community in this country ARE intolerant and bigoted toward those who honestly believe homosexual behavior is sin?
I happen to be one of those conservative Christians, so I am going to address my brothers and sisters in Christ (believe it or not, the scriptures tell me I have no right to try to hold others accountable to my values). Our Lord was always up front about truth—particularly about calling sin, sin. But he loved those same sinners so much he died for them. Even the ones who refuse him. Yes, even those who practice homosexual behavior. My brother and sister Christians—can you list five ways to show your love to someone who disagrees with you on this issue? How many of those ways are you practicing? How loving are your kids going to be toward these folks, based on what they see in you?
I’m fine with the owner of Chick-Fil-A saying what he said. He was simply giving his opinion. But do we really need to make a national issue out of it?
Seriously?
Is it possible we have better things to do, and better ways to show our love? And if we do, is it possible we’ll earn more of a hearing for what we believe than holding rallies?
Leave a Reply