Freedom of...

Today proved to be an interesting show of support to a certain food chain. It has been blasted by the media over the last couple of weeks and has seemed at times to have taken on a life of it's own. Words have been taken out of context and lines have been drawn and sides taken which have sadly caused issues among even friends which necessarily didn't have to happen.

Let's be fair: The founder of Chick-Fil-a was asked about his personal opinion and stated his support for traditional marriage. Albeit, I happen to agree with his stance since it is the biblical one. But, in all fairness, he  was free to do so. We live in a free country based on biblical beliefs and are protected by the Bill of Rights for the right to be able to worship as we please and have the freedom of speech.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." -Bill of Rights-First Amendment

Many chose to show that they believed the same as Dan Cathy, by visiting one of his restaurants today during customer appreciation day.  

There are those that will boycott the restaurant now because they do not agree. That is their prerogative. Please understand that we can take a stand on certain issues by writing letters or boycotting or showing support but we need to show love to all. 

Some might say that Mr Cathy is being persecuted and to some degree he has been. As a Christian, we should all expect that if we are willing to stand for what the Bible teaches then we will be persecuted by the world.

Matthew 5:11-12

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Romans 12:14

"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."

I think this attitude was shown across the country through pictures portrayed with all of the people that supported Chick-Fil-a and our right to freedom of speech, peacefully. There isn't any need for smart retorts or arguments. You are free to go or not go. Be willing to take the heat if necessary and know what you are defending and why.

As we live one day at a time on earth, we are one day closer to the day that Christ will return for his bride.

We are told in the Bible that as long as we are on earth there will always be sin. Eyes are blinded. There will be those that will call evil good.  But God does warn them in Isaiah 5:20-21:

 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

We, as Christians, need to be careful though. Be thankful for our freedom so that we can continue to publicly  worship God and speak the truth of the gospel with those we come in contact with, but don't judge those around us. Share the truth in love. God is the only one that can remove the scales from their eyes.

(I was able to support our local Chick-Fil-A today by getting my lunch.) I appreciate a company that serves great food, still considers Sunday a day of rest, hires a lot of young teens to train them for working in the world, and still manages to thrive in today's economy.