August 4, 2012
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Unwelcoming Patron at Chick-Fil-A
During the national controversy surrounding Chick-Fil-A and marriage, I observed events at ground zero - the Chicago Chick-Fil-A. While I am impressed with the overall respect that each side of the public debate afforded to the other, I am extremely disappointed with one of my sisters for making a mockery of Christ by making assumptions about me and where my faith laid. On Friday, I went to Chick-Fil-A not to support the "Kiss-In" event, but to show them love and to support them even if I do not agree with their views. One of them, outside and on behalf of Equality Illinois, asked me to sign a petition for gay marriage. I kindly answered her that I had very deep convictions and I cannot support with that; however, I supported her efforts and her right to voice her opinions on the subject. She just looked at me. Perhaps, she was confused or perhaps, she saw something different about me as compared to the more militant ones she may have encountered in her life. Then, I extended my hand to her and asked for her name. She told me her name and I told her my name. It was really a pleasure to meet another person properly. Yes, she is a person like you and me and a sinner like you and I are. Instead of condemning her, we should love the sinner and not the sin as we are sinners and Christ loves us. Hence, I did not endorse the cause though I love the person.
In contrast, while I was in a line for a Chicken sandwich, this women came up to me and offered me a Bible verse. It was one of those gospel tracts. It totally turned me off. I did not come to Chick-Fil-A to hear an old lady preach about Jesus. I came to Chick-Fil-A to have a chicken sandwich. I politely replied to her that she should keep those verses for someone who really needed them. Instead of going on her way, she asked me what I believed. I did not want to answer her because she already had turned me off. Not to mention that I was getting frustrated and agitated with her not getting what I communicated with her earlier. I was ready to yell at her, but I held my tongue. Then, I answered her, "I believe in the God-man, Jesus Christ." To which she replied, "we are all Christians here" and left to sit down.
What a laughable and ignorant comment for her to make. First and foremost, you do not have to be a Christian to come into Chick-Fil-A and eat a chicken sandwich. Secondly, to say that only Christians go to this place really makes the place feel unwelcoming. However, it is not Chick-Fil-A, just an old lady, who is one their customers. Nevertheless, if I, a firm believer in Jesus Christ and in marriage being between a man and woman, felt unwelcomed by her comments, imagine those who do not believe. Imagine how they would feel. Was it appropriate for her to badger others with Bible verses because she thought that homosexuals were coming to Chick-Fil-A on Friday? Was it appropriate for her to hand out Bible verses when all I wanted was a Chicken sandwich for lunch? Was it appropriate for her to make gospel tracts a part of the dining experience at the restaurant?
For myself, I really believe that it is Christians like her that make Christians like me look bad and make it difficult for me to show others charity and love just as the Bible says. While she made the experience not so great, the lady who was protesting made the experience better. Before I left, I passed her at the front of the restaurant (she never went inside to collect signatures or to voice her opinion compared to the old lady who did). I wished her well and said her name. She wished me well and said my name (she remembered me after all those hours protesting). We are first name basis and that is welcoming indeed. The old lady never bothered to introduce herself and ask me for my name. She just left when she realized I was a believer. All she was interested in was throwing Bible verses at me. The Bible tells me that God calls us by name and I believe that not asking for a person's name is not reflective of who God is and His love for others.
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3
Copyright 2012 by Christenstein
Comments (4)
As with your experience with the homeless man, it is the interest and love that is shown, which makes our life encounters worthwhile or not.
Paul wrote, "If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing" (1 Corinthians 2b).
It is a shame the way Christianity is represented here in America. WAY too many wolves in sheep's clothing as far as I can tell.
Very SAD! Some of these Christians I do believe they have good intention. I hope if they can't representing Jesus appropriately to extend an invitation to the nonbelievers for His Kingdom, at least they can stop driving them away. Let's stop doing His work with so much human effort and start leaning on His heart to know Who He is. Then, we can be empowered by His love to live out our faith as a testimony of Jesus--there is an invitation that Jesus can use!
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Oh, my! You have articulated so well exactly what I have become so dismayed about re: "Christians" these days. The reason "Christians" are receiving criticism from others is due to their own words and behaviors which misrepresent our Lord. As I have commented on Facebook, I wish "Christians" would stop whining about politics, that Christianity is being attacked and get back with the original program that Jesus taught. ~~Blessings 'n Cheers