The appeal and the problem when we hear, “Have it your way”
By Dean Collins
“Have it your way...”
That’s what Burger King told me for about 40 years of my life. But they were talking only about hamburger. Customers were all welcome to boldly tell the employee at the counter how they wanted their hamburger. The offer had much appeal, because most of us want to have most anything we want exactly the way we want it.
In 2014 Burger King ditched their famous slogan for a new one. It seems times had changed, so Burger King’s invitation became “Be Your Way.” Likely following the advice of their marketing advisors, the company explained their decision. The new motto was to remind people “they can and should live how they want anytime. It’s OK to not be perfect.… Self expression is most important and it’s our differences that make us individuals instead of robots.” So now the pitch had grown from how I order my hamburger to how I live my life.
I’m guessing and hoping none of you made huge life changes based on permission from the king of burgers. Kings do have a lot of power, but Burger King might have overreached. But their marketing consultants were simply reflecting the times. Our culture invites us to be anything and do anything we want. And often the politicians even create new policy to formalize our desire. “We will make sure your rights are protected,” they tell us. But just like kings, all human authorities have only limited power.
Even without an advertising pitch or a law that gives us license, our will drives us to want it it our way and to do it our way. We don’t like anyone running our lives. We want the freedom to choose. We’re only expressing what God has given us, free will to make choices, both big and small, for now and for eternity.
Confronting free will
Paul and Barnabas confronted free will when they left Perga and arrived in Antioch of Pisidia. In the synagogue they listened to the readings from the law and the prophets and then they accepted an invitation to bring an encouraging word to the attendees. Paul reviewed the familiar narrative of Israel’s history and went on to explain how Jesus, the Messiah of God, was the fulfillment of God’s plan. The group was very responsive and asked that Paul and Barnabas return next Sabbath and speak again. It appeared that some in the crowd were very interested in a new way of life through Jesus.
The next week’s Sabbath attendance was a record with nearly everyone in town showing up. I’m sure guest services were a little stressed by the crowd, but the bigger tension came from the Jews who saw their power base slipping away. They were jealous of all the attention Paul and his associates were getting. Their message was about a different way, and they immediately began to oppose Paul and contradict his message.
Paul wasn’t bothered by the opposition. Instead, he respectfully but boldly told the synagogue members that he came to them first, but since they judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, he and Barnabas would teach the Gentiles who are receptive. “You can have it your way,” he was saying. In fact, “You can be your way.” And with their decision they were forfeiting eternal life.
Making our choice
Even in this 21st century moment, Paul’s message is true. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus has changed everything. We now have access to God and the opportunity of life that begins at our moment of acceptance and lasts for eternity. We are free to stop trying to prove ourselves worthy of God’s love. We don’t have to be good enough; we simply have to accept his gift.
But it will require us to make a decision about having it our way or God’s way. We can have and be what we want, for awhile, but like the ancient Jews, our eternity hangs in the balance. God’s offer allows unlimited opportunities, abundant grace, and free-flowing mercy forever. We can all decide. Eventually we all must step to the service counter and declare our way or his way.
Father, thank you for loving us so gracefully that you allow us to make choices in life. Thank you that, in your mercy, you offer us forgiveness and a life of abundance. Forgive us for our pride when we think and act like we have a better way and a better plan. Thank you for meeting us in our realization of unworthiness and offering us both a new identity and an eternal purpose as citizens of your Kingdom. We receive your love and grace today and ask that you use us to joyfully share with others what you have given us and offered to everyone. In Jesus name, Amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Acts 13:13, 15-16, 32, 42-52 ESV
Photo by Hulki Okan Tabak on Unsplash
