Does Chick-Fil-A Know the Meaning of Life?

Revelations about purpose found in the drive-thru

I’ll admit when I’m out running errands in the cruel dystopian society that the Covid 19- election-year-natural-disaster-toilet-bowl 2020 has become, I seek out the nearest Chick-Fil-A to find both emotional and physical sustenance.

I just need a smile and some pickles, y’all.

Maybe it’s silly, but with all the things going on, there’s a little group of people who have come up with an entire system to make sure my immediate needs are met quickly and with a smile, and I need that. I leaned out the window to tell a young lady whose sole job it was to stand in the heat and direct traffic, that I appreciated her doing it. She smiled big and said, “it goes by really fast!”

Do what now? As I was pondering what kind of Stepford mind control they must’ve subjected her to, it hit me: she has the gift.

Hospitality is a gift given by God so that human beings have an innate drive to care for one another and civilization doesn’t collapse. Seriously, it’s so important the new testament of the Bible encourages us to cultivate and practice hospitality to ensure the integrity of the Body of Christ, reflect the Kingdom of Heaven, and draw people to salvation. The words of Jesus let us know His thoughts on this imperative when he says in John chapter 13, “By this everyone will know you are my disciples; if you love one another.”

Hospitality is putting love into action - meeting practical needs out of your own resources and talents. If all you have to give is a smile to put someone at ease, or a kind word to relieve someone’s stress, then do not withhold it. To take it a step further, exercise this powerful tool of the Holy Spirit by seeking to understand someone vastly different than you, or give latitude to someone who is lashing out in their pain or grief.

We are on this earth to reflect the love and power of Jesus Christ, and hospitality is the key to fulfilling His greatest wish for us - the one He spoke over His closest friends in the hours before His death. He said,

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:22-23)

Complete unity. Isn’t that what the world needs most now? Hospitality is key to achieving unity, as it is the action of directly supplying the needs of others, whether it be sharing our home, finances, food, time, or emotional support.

This is a large part of our purpose - to bring light and unity to the world through the grace given us by way of hospitality. Stir up that gift and smile! That smile might be the beacon of hope a hurting person needs.

Also, if that person has an Original chicken sandwich with extra pickles, that would be amazing.

Reflection

1. What areas of hospitality come easily for you?

2. How might you incorporate that gift into your daily life?

3. Where might your service be most needed right now? How can you get there?

Goals

Write down three areas of opportunity where you can share hospitality in your regular routine:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:22-23)