Seasoning Chick-fil-A

By: American Decency Staff

 

Another story on Chick-fil-A? I know, but hopefully this one will come with a different angle than those which we have all grown tired of reading. Lord willing, it will give us something to think about and personally consider.

There have been many articles written over the last several weeks that inform, divide, judge, and expose. Actually, many supporters of this chicken chain feel betrayed; for all the good that Chick-fil-A (CFA) has done, it feels like they’ve been hiding behind a mask. As layers get peeled back, we are shocked to find out some of the things they have been doing; much of which may never have come to light if they hadn’t made the decision to change their giving habits to “anti-LGBT” organizations, even though the term “anti-LGBT” is based in accusation rather than in reality for the Salvation Army and others.

We might ask ourselves, how did they get to this point? Why did they compromise their values, betraying those who have supported and helped them in their time of need? Most importantly, what can we learn from this?

How did they get to this point?  They got to be the super chicken chain they are one chicken sandwich, sweet tea, and waffle fry at a time. They fell in the same way, one compromise, one poor choice taken without care, and going too long without self-examination.

Tim Tassopoulos, president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc., became president of CFA in 2016. Was this a wise choice? Was CFA careful about what else this man might bring to the table? After all, he continues to serve as an advisor to the Atlanta Boy Scouts. This alone should raise a red flag considering the Boy Scouts also capitulated to the LGBT agenda. There’s no need for me to remind our readers of the ways in which this chain has been funding various anti-Christian and pro-LGBT groups/events, including a group that hosts Drag Queen Story Hour.

What can we learn?  Although there is a big difference between a food chain and individuals, we gain victory one stand at a time or fall one compromise or poor decision at a time and going too long without self-examination. Are we spiritually eating and drinking in a healthy manner or are we stuffing ourselves with junk food? Whatever we watch, listen to, or take part in will affect and influence us. Are we careful about the people we allow to influence us or our children? God calls His people to “Consider your ways.” How long have you gone without self-examination in your entertainment, time habits, friendships, or whatever else the Holy Spirit may be bringing to your mind?

Why did they compromise their values, betraying those who have supported and helped them in their time of need?  First, we need to realize that we are further down the food chain of being wronged than most would like to admit. It’s true that CFA did its supporters wrong; but first and foremost, they did wrong to the God they claim to serve, to the name of the founder they received their reputation from, and the employees that faithfully served the purpose of this chicken chain.

As to the question why, Biblically speaking, one might say that you can’t serve both God and mammon. That’s true for companies and people. I won’t say that he who is without sin should cast the first waffle fry; but I am saying that each of us will have a struggle with our own “mammon.” For some it will be pride, others acceptance, some just want heaven without dying to self; it always boils down to lost focus. Are we (or CFA) focused on Christ or self-desire (or a bottom line, to be culturally relevant, and the list goes on)? It’s the same problem we see in the church today as well. If we hope to stay faithful, we need to keep looking unto Jesus (Heb. 12:2), making Him ALONE our treasure and goal (Phil. 3:8).

So where does that leave us? I’ve heard some who are very bitter and others who would seem to hardly seem to care at all. When dealing with people, organizations, and situations, Paul’s command to the church of the Colossians would serve us well. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (4:6)

“Always with grace” points to every situation and person. “Seasoned with salt” helps us to remember to use moderation in our hurt, righteous indignation, or even in times of triumph. Both food and conversation need to be sprinkled (seasoned) with salt. I’ve eaten fries that are seasoned with salt and I’ve had them smothered with salt. I’ve received words “seasoned with salt” and I’ve had the sting of salt dumped onto open wounds as well. I prefer my fries and my words seasoned—God prefers we show grace seasoned with salt.

Whether you go to Chick-fil-A or not for a sandwich and waffle fries is up to you; just be careful not to gain a spirit of bitterness or hate in dealing with them or others. Let’s pray for them, the workers whose jobs this affects, and for a “seasoned,” not a stinging, tongue.

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