I remember traveling around in the south when my kids were younger, looking for a place to eat. It seemed like Chick-fil-A was always one of the places we would hit. But if we didn’t think it through, we would miss out because they were closed on Sundays. So, if we forgot about that and showed up there. . . no Chick-fil-A.
The chain is slowly moving north, with two different restaurants within a half-hour of South Lyon. When we lived in Champaign, we would plan to visit the one there, but only in the summers because it was on campus in the Student Union basement. It was always packed during the school year, even when places next to it had no lines. So we went in the summer when many students were home for their break. (We don’t have to deal with students’ schedules here, though the Chick-fil-A in Novi is always busy!)
Unfortunately, Chick-fil-A’s stay in Champaign at the university was short-lived. A student group protested it being on campus because of the owner’s Christian beliefs and generosity to groups that believed the same as he did. Some obscure reason was given for not renewing their lease in the food court, and they were gone.
Though I don’t agree with this action, I can understand it happening at a liberal arts university like the University of Illinois. . .but at Notre Dame? This is a quote from an article I came across this week: “A group of students and faculty at an elite Catholic university say they don’t want Chick-fil-A to open a restaurant on their Indiana campus because of the restaurant chain’s frequent donations to Christian groups.” I don’t know if Notre Dame will follow the wishes of these roughly 180 individuals or not. And I am not going to get political, there is a place for that and this is not it. But it’s what the statement said that caught my eye, an “elite Catholic university.” I was shocked. Now I don’t have issues with Notre Dame, except when it comes to sports of course, but how could a Catholic university have a problem with the owner of a company who gives to credible Christian organizations? Again, I was shocked.
Then that got me thinking: Do I do things that make people question if my actions match my title? I’m not talking about “minister” or “evangelist,” but the title of “Christian.” We all wear that title if we have chosen to make that commitment to Him. Do we live up to that or do we do that title a disservice? Are people who know we are Christians shocked by our behavior that doesn’t seem to line up with our title?
I don’t know if Notre Dame will get a Chick-fil-A or not. I hope they do for the students because as fast food goes, it is pretty good. I know we don’t have this chain here in town, but think about it when you drive past another fast food place. Then think about this article. And think about if you are living up to the title you’ve been given by His death: Redeemed!
Trying my best,
Randy
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