Social media jokes and memes were out in full force yesterday when an announcement was made that a Chick-fil-A is going into the Atlanta Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The news is exciting for everyone who loves their delicious chicken...until they realize the fast food chain is closed on Sundays - the day the majority of Falcon’s games are played.
While some fans are disappointed and others enjoy the opportunity to mock this unique situation, Chick-fil-A will be open for other stadium events, and this is a great opportunity to explore why Chick-fil-A made the decision to close on Sundays in the first place.
The company has this explanation on their website:
"Our founder, Truett Cathy, made the decision to close on Sundays in 1946 when he opened his first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia. Having worked seven days a week in restaurants open 24 hours, Truett saw the importance of closing on Sundays so that he and his employees could set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose - a practice we uphold today."
Many of us might think this is a crazy decision, and wonder why Chick-fil-A would want to miss out on Sunday sales during Falcons' games. However, people are aware of their longstanding beliefs and should respect them for putting their convictions ahead of the bottom line.
They are obviously doing something right, as ESPN.com's Darren Rovell recently reported on their extraordinary financial blessing:
“Earlier this month, restaurant industry trade publication QSR Magazine named Chick-fil-A the highest-grossing franchise in the United States, estimating that each store pulled in an average of $4.4 million in annual revenue, $1.7 million more than the average of the next-highest-grossing chain (Whataburger, $2.7 million).”
In light of this interesting story, there is tremendous value in considering what a day of rest and the Sabbath mean to us. When we read what the Bible has to say in the Old Testament, Genesis 2:2 (ESV) tells us, "And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done.”
We’re also reminded of this in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-10 says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…”
When Jesus came to earth and died on the cross, He fulfilled the law. The New Testament explains we have a newfound freedom when we believe in Him and receive His grace. Jesus becomes our "Sabbath" because we rest in knowing we don't have to earn God's forgiveness and work for our salvation. It’s simply not our job!
With that said, keeping the Sabbath (or taking a day off from work) is not a duty required to receive salvation, but rather an opportunity to enjoy God and the life He's given us.
Although we should worship God every day and continually find rest in Him, there is great reward when we take a day of rest like Chick-fil-A models. We are given the chance to trust God for provision by working the other six days, as well as, a break to prevent us from having burnout or making work our idol.
We also become an example to others by showing them we desire to set apart a day for what's most important - family, worship, and focusing on God's goodness.
Today, as many people laugh at Chick-fil-A, let’s look into our own hearts and see what a gift the Sabbath truly is to us. We have freedom from earning our salvation because Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf...and a day of rest to enjoy a fun-filled game at a stadium. Just know that we won't be eating a Chick-fil-A sandwich!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
Prayer: Heavenly father, I find my rest in Jesus and I'm thankful I don't earn salvation by keeping the commandments. I desire to honor You with my life, and pray that I'd make it a priority to rest from work in order to enjoy You and the blessings You've given me...while being renergized to do Your work. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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