Chick-Fil-A and the Third Commandment

There’s a buzz about town in the politically conservative and Christian communities.  Manhattan is finally getting a “real” Chick-Fil-A, apparently the one in the K-State Student Union doesn’t count.  But anyway, it’s pretty exciting for a lot of people.  Honestly, I think they’re pretty regular chicken sandwiches myself.

Meanwhile, our ministry staff has been leading us through a study on the 10 Commandments this summer.  And, trust me, this isn’t a typical sleepy, solemn series.  It’s been step-on-your-toes fantastic.  If you want to listen to the sermons you can hear them here.  Two weeks ago we were on Commandment Number 3:  “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” - Exodus 20:7  I have to admit, when the sermon began I thought the minister was going too easy on the subject.  Not sure what I was thinking, because he tactfully never “goes easy” on anything God spells out clearly, and if I’d just been patient in my thinking I would have heard I had nothing to worry about.  As listeners we were reminded of the reasons God’s name is commonly misused:  insults, irritations, indulgences, intimidation, impression, and on impulse.  It’s beyond saying, “Oh, my God.” in the wrong context.  Carelessly throwing out God’s name to impress others is just as much a misuse.

Back to Chick-Fil-A.  Chick-Fil-A is known as a Christian owned chain.  They readily support what would be “conservative” causes and groups and in turn the conservatives support them.  My fellow Christians love to tout their Chick-Fil-A cups.  I’m not offended by any of this and I say go for it!  However, being in the construction industry, we personally know some of the subcontractors working on the new Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Manhattan.  While they’re great guys, to my knowledge, none of them are church-goin’ people.  Unfortunately, they have been treated with arrogance and condescension by the Chick-Fil-A “higher ups” throughout this project.  This does not help to represent Jesus in a positive inviting way to all those working on the job.

By labeling themselves as a Christian owed business Chick-Fil-A takes on a huge responsibility.  No one is perfect; we all misrepresent our faith by our actions and words – sometimes accidentally and sometimes with full understanding.  But there must be a focus on sincerity and consistency.  Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  (Colossians 3:17)  For whatever reason, symbols of faith evoke emotion like no other.  If someone cuts you off in traffic with a fish symbol stuck to their bumper you think it’s un-Christian.  If the guy at Walmart with a church softball team t-shirt lets out a string of four letter words it doesn’t add up.

My question since the lesson two weeks ago is if we do more harm than good when we shout the word Christian.  I remember interviewing for a job in college and being told, “we’re a Christian business but we don’t shout it”, and thinking that didn’t make sense.  Now I understand more.  Being a Christian is a big responsibility.  Sometimes I wonder if God would rather we live our lives so as to emit the resulting fruit of the Spirit living within us instead of printing it on our bumper stickers and t-shirts.  Perhaps that would speak more to those we desire to influence.