McChristians

By Gobel Brockman

     You pull up to the speaker, place your order, pull around to the first (or second) window, give them your money, and get your food. It's all over in a matter of minutes. Say what you will about McDonald's, but they have created a customer-friendly business model that allows them to remain profitable even when economic times are bad. They offer relatively easy-in easy-out access, food that is within the budget of most, and quick service for a world in a hurry. Brilliant.

     Running a business like that makes sense. The problem is I think it's helped create a mindset in some that that's the way God should do things. We pull in and place our order, expect it to cost us little or nothing, and expect the product delivered in a matter of moments. I refer to it as having a "McChristian" mindset. There's one huge problem with that way of thinking, however:

     

     God is not like McDonald's.

     Think of it this way:
McDonald's: Easy-in access.
God: There's only one way. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me."

McDonald's: Place your order. If you want to special order something, no problem.
God: He's not a fast food place. You cannot "have it your way." (Different burger joint, but you get the idea.) If Jesus had to say to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemene, "Not my will, but Thine be done” what makes us think we can do any less?

McDonald's: Their prices fit almost anyone's budget.
God: We're told that if we want to be His disciples, we have to take up our cross and follow Him. That's a price most won't pay.

McDonald's: The whole process takes only a few moments.
God: We're told in the Book of Isaiah that "those who WAIT upon the Lord shall renew their strength." (Emphasis mine.)

     

     I want to focus on that last one for a moment. We've lost the ability (or the patience) to wait on God's timing. The thing is, people waiting on God is found throughout the Bible. Israel had to wait 430 years to be delivered from Egyptian bondage. David had to wait several years and endure many battles before being given the kingdom he was promised. The disciples were told by Jesus after His resurrection to go to Jerusalem and "Wait for the promise of the Father." You see, God's interested in more than quickly filling an order - He's interested in developing men and women of character who'll have faith that God has everything under control no matter how long the answer takes. He wants to have a people that see life as a journey of faith, daily growing in our knowledge of Him. I look at it this way: McDonald's is interested in getting you in and getting you out ASAP. God's interested in you sticking around with Him - for eternity.

     So just let Him do it His way.