What We’re All About
“I’m not ashamed of the gospel
of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation…” Romans 1:16
Recently, in an ever
desirous attempt to improve my eating habits, I decided to make a change. Nothing drastic, mind you, but an upgrade,
nonetheless. Instead of eating an ever-satisfying Big Mac, I went the In - N - Out
route. Now before you congratulate me too much, listen further. Since crash diets often plummet faster than a lead-suited
skydiver, I decided to ease into it. In
other words, start slow. Simply by
dropping from the 4,000-calorie burger to the 3,000-calorie burger would allow
me to ease into it gradually. Man, that
burger was tasty…and 1,000 calories lighter.
I could feel the weight dropping off with every bite. I’m tellin’ you, that’s what a hamburger is
all about!
Now, In - N - Out is one great place if not a bit confusing. I always feel like I’m on candid camera when
I’m in that place. Have you ever:
1)
Ordered
in the Drive Thru? They ask the
ever-brainteasing query, “Are you eating it in your car or do you want it to
go?” That question is harder than the English
section of my high school SAT’s. I
usually say, “Yes!” Because I’m eating
in my car and I will be on the “go.”
2)
Experienced
the Straw Slide? They love leaving the top half of the straw
wrapper on until seconds before (sometimes at the moment) that you begin to
comprehend it as your own. At that split
second, notice how they pull the wrapper off the top as if “no air” was allowed
to penetrate the drink under their watch. Watch the sleight of hand next time
you’re there. Like David Blaine at the Mirage!
But greater still, the famous franchise has an undisclosed menu that is
more covert than the Pentagon’s secret chambers. You don’t find it…you simply stumble upon it.
Along with the modified menu on
display, is another menu that is kept so quiet that it makes the Mason’s look
like gossips and Coca-Cola’s recipe front page news. Please “Tell My Story” if
I disappear for talking (never to be heard from again). Foods
such as Protein Style (burger with a lettuce wrap) and Animal Style (artery-clogging
french fries) are but a few of the items they don’t advertise, but are more
than happy to oblige. Talk to the locals and they will spill like a
collapsing Dr. Pepper. If you like, you
could tell them you think a “Protein Animal” would be great with “lettuce wrapped in cheese” for any
attempting a “Gluttonous Diet.”
However, in this
clandestine chain, not everything is so secretive. In fact, it’s everything but “under the radar”
as to what is important to them. From
Day One back in 1948, In - N - Out founding family, Harry and Esther Snyder,
and now, their grandchild Lynsi Torres, tout it, a restaurant that serves
quality food and honors the Lord in all they do. In the words of Paul, they are “not ashamed”
to tell you. Years ago, they decided to make it known as well…though most
eventually find out.
Turn over the cups (Warning: Don’t try this while cups still
contain a beverage) and you will see a Bible verse printed on the
bottom rim of every cup. One from the Old Testament and one from the New.
1)
The
Milk Shake (OT) Cups: At the bottom
rim, you find Proverbs 3:5,6
which points us to the verse, “Trust in
the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will
direct your paths.”
2)
The
Soda (NT) Cups: Printed below is John
3:16 which is ever so famous, “For God so loved the world, that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but
have everlasting life.”
You can see why I, when able, support California’s most
famous secret society of burgers and fries and will even go on a “diet” to get
one. They inspire me to spread the most
wonderful message ever given. You could say, “Unashamedly, giving the gospel…one person at a time.”
Now that’s what a Christian is all about!
Terry Risser
Reflections:
1) Who
was the last person you shared something God did for you?
2) Think
of a way today you might slip Him into a conversation.
Consider reading the Word today:
Copyright 2014 - Terry Risser
No comments:
Post a Comment