Radical Chicken

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" - Jesus (Luke 9:23). 

As the smoke clears from the chick-fil-a controversy, I wonder if it will leave any sort of permanent effect in its wake? In some ways, I feel as if "Pandora's Box" was opened and am waiting for what comes next. I'm unsure of what that will be, but I know the potential for both reconciliation or further division abound. All the while, I continue dreaming of the Church realizing and actualizing its purpose on earth. That is, to be the hands of feet of the resurrected and ascended Christ as the expression of God's Kingdom on earth.

There are several ways we can look at all of this. And believe me, they have ALL been expressed on Twitter, Facebook, and every other media outlet known to man. It was truly monumental. Some viewed it as somewhat radical as they proudly "stood up" for what they believed. That is, of course, the way people came out to support Mr. Cathy and his business. But . . . and I can't help but think. Do you know what else it was? Easy.

Now, this is not a post marked with the intentions of one believer "hating" on others. I was there. I ate my "radical chicken." In fact, I was overwhelmed by the support all over the country as pictures and stories flooded the Internet. It was insane. Stores closed early because they ran out of food. People came out in droves.

Then I came across a disturbing comment. It went something like this: "I've never seen Christians lined up like that to support a food pantry or a homeless shelter." Now, while that comment was ill-conceived and naive (most pantries, shelters, and hospitals for that matter were started by Christians), it still rings loudly in my ears. Imagine what the world would be like if Christians actually lived like Jesus every day. It's "easy" to eat some chicken and feel good. But what if we lived daily with hearts abandoned to His ways? What if we actually became disciples that made disciples? (Yes, we would have to actually share Christ with others). What if we centered all of our lives on his teachings? (This would actually require familiarizing ourselves with His teachings). What if we "turned the other cheek", loved and prayed for our enemies, fed the poor, clothed the naked, visited the sick and those in prison, and sought to right injustices? What if we practiced the forgiveness we have received and extended the mercy that has been extended to us? What if we gave generously, denying ourselves and walking humbly before our God? What if we treasured and pursued Him more than anything else? Now, that wouldn't be easy. He never said it would. In fact, He said it would require a cross.

“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us. . . . My biggest fear, even now, is that I will hear Jesus' words and walk away, content to settle for less than radical obedience to Him. ” - David Platt