The news from the past few days has been very disturbing to me and probably to you also. A successful business man publicly states his values and biblical beliefs and many are wanting to boycott his business. That business is Chick-fil-A. Read what he said:
" We are very much supportive of the family-the biblical definition
of the family unit. We are a family owned business, a family led
business and we are married to our first wives. We give thanks
for that...We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but
thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values
and operate on biblical principles."
Dan Cathy, CEO, Chick-fil-A
Now read some responses to that statement:
"What the CEO has said as it relates to gay marriage and gay
couples is not what I believe, but more importantly it's not what
the people of Chicago believe."
Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of
Chicago
"I want responsible businesses in my ward..."
Proco "Joe" Moreno,
Alderman of Chicago
"Chick-fil-A doesn't belong in Boston because of Cathy's
discriminatory stance."
Thomas Menino,
Mayor of Boston
Mr. Cathy is a living example to the solution this country needs. He believes in living by biblical principles, encouraging strong families by being married to his first wife and promoting family businesses that care for their employees. Any other business you know of closed on Sunday? You know, we used to do that in our country when I was a boy.
Read the part of his statement, "...but I thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles."
Can we really do this? Do you share the same beliefs as Mr. Cathy? I do! Look what they are doing to him. Does the church you attend, share the same beliefs on marriage as Mr. Cathy? When are they going to do the same thing to me, my business, and the church where I attend? What about your business, the church where you attend, your family?
As Christians, how are we to act in this situation? First let's go to Luke 6:22-23. "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. "(NKJV) We are going to be just
fine through all of this, if we remain steadfast and faithful. Jesus said we would, so don't be afraid. (Please remember the first part of Rev. 21:8-"But the cowardly...")
How are we to treat those who oppose us? Jesus says in Luke 6:27, "But I say to you who hear: love your enemies, do good to them who hate you," We can love our enemies without compromising God's will. Look at Christ. He died for everyone, but did not compromise His father's will and also, He was without sin. We cannot sit by and do nothing. People need to know we love them but cannot approve of their sin. Read Romans 1:18-32. The last part of verse 32 should get our attention. ...that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.(NKJV) That is, they are worthy of God's wrath. We don't go out and kill them. Always remember 2 Peter 3:9. The Lord is not willing that any should perish but all should come to repentance.
What will make us strong? Be like Joshua: "And if it seems evil for you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,...But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)(NKJV) (Read
1Thes.3:14-22) Bottom line, be good and stay away from evil.
What did Jesus say in Matthew 12:25? Can we be divided as a nation? What about as Christians? What about as a family? What did Christ pray for? Read Christ's prayer in John 17:20-23. He wanted us to be one as He and the Father are one.
In closing, we as Christians must not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.(Ro. 1:16) God told Joshua to be strong and of good courage and not afraid because, He would be with him. (Joshua 1:9) I trust God, that He will be with us also.
Please share this with others.
Thank you so much for reading my blog. We are a majority with God, never forget this. Pray for our country and the children of our land that this nation will afford them the same freedom as we have enjoyed, to serve our heavenly Father in peace.
Please, you can send your comments to rhepler52@yahoo.com or rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
