Today, as I reflect on the life and death of S. Truett Cathey, founder of Chick-Fil-A, I am reminded why I have chosen to do business in an entirely unique, almost un-American, way. I am also encouraged by the countless number of people who are choosing to follow in Mr. Cathey's footsteps.
I am thankful for the life of Mr. Cathey, for his unyielding pursuit of being in business without becoming like the business world. His commitment to do business with the highest biblical standards was, and is, rare in the American economy. So many forget that God wants us to be Christian in our business endeavors too. Not, Mr. Cathey.
Most American food chains would tell you that they couldn't survive without Sunday business, yet Chick-Fil-A does. I am told that virtually every mall lease requires all mall stores/vendors to be open on Sundays. Malls across America have consistently made an exception for Chick-Fil-A. Why? Because Chick-Fil-A has consistently demonstrated that they could produce more business in six days than the mall's other stores could in seven. God blesses obedience to His word. God has obviously blessed Chick-Fil-A.
So, what does a Godly business look like? First, it is courageous - daring to be different. It treats it's employees fairly and maintains high standards for their conduct and appearance. It is kind, serving each and every customer and vendor, with respect, courtesy and joy. It maintains the highest standards of quality for both it's product and it's service. It gives back to the community around it, in purposeful and meaningful ways. And, most importantly, it reflects Godly character to a lost world, pointing people to Him.
I am told by those who knew Mr. Cathey, that he consistently modeled Christian character in both his personal and business life. Can a business be Christian? We will leave that up to you to decide, but nobody can argue that Mr. Cathey's business didn't reflect his belief in God.
In the early hours of this morning, S. Truett Cathey heard his Master say, "Well done My good and faithful servant." I can just imagine Mr. Cathey's response... "It was my pleasure."
I am thankful for the life of Mr. Cathey, for his unyielding pursuit of being in business without becoming like the business world. His commitment to do business with the highest biblical standards was, and is, rare in the American economy. So many forget that God wants us to be Christian in our business endeavors too. Not, Mr. Cathey.
Most American food chains would tell you that they couldn't survive without Sunday business, yet Chick-Fil-A does. I am told that virtually every mall lease requires all mall stores/vendors to be open on Sundays. Malls across America have consistently made an exception for Chick-Fil-A. Why? Because Chick-Fil-A has consistently demonstrated that they could produce more business in six days than the mall's other stores could in seven. God blesses obedience to His word. God has obviously blessed Chick-Fil-A.
So, what does a Godly business look like? First, it is courageous - daring to be different. It treats it's employees fairly and maintains high standards for their conduct and appearance. It is kind, serving each and every customer and vendor, with respect, courtesy and joy. It maintains the highest standards of quality for both it's product and it's service. It gives back to the community around it, in purposeful and meaningful ways. And, most importantly, it reflects Godly character to a lost world, pointing people to Him.
I am told by those who knew Mr. Cathey, that he consistently modeled Christian character in both his personal and business life. Can a business be Christian? We will leave that up to you to decide, but nobody can argue that Mr. Cathey's business didn't reflect his belief in God.
In the early hours of this morning, S. Truett Cathey heard his Master say, "Well done My good and faithful servant." I can just imagine Mr. Cathey's response... "It was my pleasure."
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