So, today is the day when we are to do one of two things:

1. Boycott Chick-Fil-A
2. Support Chick-Fil-A

All of this is a result of Dan Cathy’s comments on gay marriage.

Not that you asked, but here’s my two cents…

I think the whole thing simply misses the point.

In calling for a boycott of Chick-Fil-A, people have just given rise to Chick-Fil-A supporters (a.k.a. mostly conservative, evangelical, fundamentalist Christians). Gay marriage opponents now have a cause to stand behind…deep fried chicken patties served on a bun with a pickle and waffle fries. Had there not been the call for a boycott, most of the folks standing in line at Chick-Fil-A today would not have even been aware of Cathy’s comments and would have been chowing down on a Whopper at Burger King instead.

In calling for people to rally around Chick-Fil-A, gay marriage opponents are most likely creating a deeper division between the two sides. It’s hard to convince someone that you truly love him/her if you are going out of your way to support someone who has hurt him/her.

What Cathy said was insensitive and probably inappropriate. However, he has a right to believe and think those things. A business has the right to be a conservative Christian business that makes decisions and supports various organizations that are consistent with their values. It doesn’t make it “right”, but they do have that freedom.

The boycott will not change the practices and beliefs of Chick-Fil-A. In fact, it will probably convince company executives that they are doing the “right” thing. The outpouring of support for Chick-Fil-A will not demonstrate love to our gay brothers and sisters.

I’m pretty sure Jesus was known for saying, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35), and not “They will know you are my disciples by your waffle fries.”

Now, some will say, “We are simply loving our gay brothers and sisters by letting them know they are wrong.” Really? It’s just one of those, “I love you, but I hate you” kind of comments. Maybe someone should tell you to “put down the greasy chicken and fries because I love you and I don’t want you to be a glutton.”

The bottom line is this…As a Christian, I am called to love God and my neighbor. I’m not sure participating in a boycott or Mike Huckabee’s Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day is really consistent with either of those two greatest commandments.

So, no, I won’t eat at Chick-Fil-A today. And, no, I won’t stand outside holding a sign pointing out the obvious. Instead, I’ll go home and eat some leftovers. Then, tomorrow, I’ll go to Chick-Fil-A and use up some of my coupons for free food. Seriously, we have at least 5 coupons for free meals at Chick-Fil-A.

But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.   If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?   For even sinners love those who love them.   And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners do the same. Luke 6:27-32