There was a time when I was in management at FedEx. One day, I attended a seminar where the founders of some of the most successful businesses in America, including Fred Smith, the founder of Federal Express, came together to speak. They had been asked to discuss their enterprises, the purpose for their existence, and some of the struggles surrounding the startup.
Among the great leaders, one stood above all the rest to me. His name was Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A. His approach was that of a servant leader. He gave a big smile as he took the podium, introduced himself, and began, “We serve Chick-fil-A sandwiches to the glory of God . . .” His voice boomed with great force, and the room became silent. At the end of his speech, he was wildly applauded.
Whenever I read a Bible passage, I read it in several different translations. I can understand better when I take in perspectives from the various translation committees. Going through some old business notes this morning, I was reminded of the day I heard Truett. He understood what was (and is) essential. Long ago, he had learned who the REAL "customer" is. He knew that all paths lead to the giver of life, and his message was a breath of fresh air for me then and now.
I recalled a passage written by Paul. Understanding that he had been a Pharisee and a prominent member of the Sanhedrin court, a group noted for adhering to strict rules and punishment for those who strayed, it's apparent that he changed his mind about many things after an encounter with Jesus. I was glad to be reminded by what the passage before me taught me about what is and isn't essential.
(Rom 14:8 MSG) “What’s important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God’s sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. None of us is permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It’s God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other.”
Everything I do and say SHOULD be done (with forethought) to the glory of God. I should reject tyranny of every kind.
I attached a photo of an award I once received. Much like most awards I have—and there have been a few notable ones—this particular trophy was for above-and-beyond effort—and meant to get ME promoted. It was for MY glory. Oh, if I had only heard Truett’s corporate purpose statement sooner! Will I change? If I do, it will be to the glory of God.
There’s nothing wrong with awards. But we need to understand who gives us our abilities and be thankful. It isn’t what we choose to do so much as who we intend to magnify through our accomplishments. That goes for how we conduct our daily business as much as it does “spiritual matters.” As we are spirits in bodies of clay, everything is spiritual.
My conclusion on this matter is that Jesus lived and died and then lived again. He is now our Master across the entire range of life, and he alone frees us from this life's petty tyrannies, that include what we do to ourselves….and the unreasonable demands we place on each other.”
Copyright 2017; revised 2024 Gary Landerfelt MyPericope.com
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