Exemplary Concern

Romans 14:8 (MSG):

"What’s important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God’s sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. None of us is permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It’s God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other.”

There was a time in my life when I held a management role at FedEx. As part of that position, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar where the founders of several of America's most iconic companies gathered to share their stories. Among them was Fred Smith, the founder of Federal Express, a man whose business vision shaped a global industry.

Each leader spoke about their company’s beginnings, their challenges, and the values that had driven their success. But amid all the business brilliance and stories of perseverance, one voice stood out—not because it was louder, but because it spoke deeper.

His name was Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A.

He approached the podium with a warm smile and the calm presence of someone who led by serving. Without pretense, he introduced himself and began his message with a statement I’ll never forget:“We serve Chick-fil-A sandwiches to the glory of God.”

His voice carried weight—not just volume, but substance. The room, once buzzing with energy, grew silent. His words commanded respect not by force, but by truth. When he finished speaking, the applause was immediate and overwhelming.

That moment stayed with me.

Just this morning, while flipping through some old business notes, I was reminded of that seminar and Truett’s declaration. It struck me again how clearly he understood something I’ve come to realize only with time: our purpose is not found in our own success, but in whom we serve through our success. He had long known who the real customer was—the One who gives us breath and ability. His perspective was refreshing then, and it still speaks life to me now.

Later, while reading Scripture, I came across a verse that seemed to echo Truett’s words. The apostle Paul, once a strict Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, experienced a dramatic transformation after encountering Jesus. Everything he once valued was reshaped in light of that encounter. And in Romans 14:8, Paul uses a food analogy to speak to the heart of what truly matters: not the specifics of our behavior, but the orientation of our hearts—that whatever we do, we do it for the glory of God.

It reminded me: even in the workplace, even in the boardroom or warehouse, we are spiritual beings. Everything is spiritual. And everything we do—no matter how ordinary or ambitious—can be an act of worship.

As I reflected, I came across a photo of an award I once received. It was one of many, given in recognition of “above and beyond” performance. It was meant to elevate me, highlight my efforts, and advance my career. And in a sense, it did. But looking at it now, I realize that much of my early striving was aimed at personal glory.

How I wish I had heard Truett Cathy’s mission statement sooner.

Will I change? I pray so. And if I do, may it not be for my promotion, but for God’s glory.

There’s nothing wrong with awards. But we must always remember where our strength comes from—and why we do what we do. The question is not only, “What am I building?” but, “Who am I magnifying through it?”

That goes for the office and the home, the church and the job site—because in God’s eyes, there is no sacred/secular divide. It’s all His.

Today, consider this: Are you doing what you do to the glory of God? In your work, your words, your ambition—who are you pointing others toward? Yourself, or the One who gave you every gift you carry?

May we live lives, lead businesses, and receive recognition not with pride, but with gratitude—because it is He who works in us and through us. And it is to Him we will return.

Copyright 2017; revised 2025 Gary Landerfelt MyPericope.com