Would Jesus Eat More Chicken?

It's being labeled as a campaign of hate.  I am referring to the statement by Chick-Fil-A president, Dan Cathy, supporting the biblical definition of marriage.  I personally didn't see any hate in his statement.  He was simply stating his belief in marriage as defined by God in Genesis 2:24-25.  The fast food chain has always operated on faith-based principles.  Chick-Fil-A restaurants still remain closed on Sundays in deference to God's command to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8).

The escalation of feelings in this case comes from the over-reaction from both sides of the gay marriage debate.  Christian conservatives seized the moment to reiterate their disdain for those who live in a gay lifestyle, while from the other those from the gay-lesbian community fire back.  In the end we've done nothing to bridge the gap that exists between the church and contemporary culture.

I only wish those within the church would seek to model Jesus.  When Jesus came across those whose behavior was labeled "offensive" by society, he sought to love them first.  John 8:1-11 contains a great example.  The religious authorities brought a women who had been caught in adultery to Jesus.  Their desire was to stone the woman.  Jesus' response was to love her.  He also challenged her to "leave your life of sin."

One of the criticisms that young people have of the church is that it's intolerant.  You are not allowed to bring alternative views to the surface.  In other words it's, "God's way or the highway."  As a result we establish a list of criteria that must be met before we will even consider admitting someone into the fellowship of believers.  That runs into the face of everything Jesus taught or did.  All were welcome.  Jesus' actions demonstrate that it's impossible to impart faith unless there is first a relationship.  Jesus hated sin, but loved the sinner.  Reality check: Jesus loves gay and lesbian people and he expects us to love them as well.

As parents and older adults we should be doing two things: Point people to Jesus as our only hope for salvation, and help them understand God's plan for his people.  Standing on one side of the battle line and firing salvos accomplishes nothing.  Buying them a chicken sandwich and having a conversation with them does.