Loving Favor

According to an article I read online earlier today, S. Truett Cathy, an 87 year old businessman, known as a great human being, a devout Southern Baptist, a former Sunday School Teacher, and founder of Chick-fil-A, a chicken fast food chain which boasts of over 1300 stores nationwide, had his faith tested recently.

Two pre-teen girls broke into his Florida home and caused an estimated $30,000 in damage by throwing eggs, spraying fire extinguishers and flooding the kitchen.

Motivated by God's grace, and a desire to glorify Him by being a faithful steward, He opted not to prosecute them. Instead, he wanted them to learn the error of their ways by writing, "I will not vandalize other people's property" 1,000 times, and read a good book, rather than watching TV, or playing video games.

Of course, many, who learned of this story, thought Mr. Cathy was somehow too lenient and felt these girls should have been taken behind the proverbial woodshed. However, he wanted to remain true to a passage of scripture that is close to his heart. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold." -Proverbs 22:1.

This story is a classic illustration of faith in action, love on display and undeserved favor. It reminds me of the amazing grace God demonstrates to us daily. How refreshing to see people of faith live what they believe, regardless of position, power or pedigree, to the praise of His glory.