The key to fast food being profitable is that it must be served fast. The
McDonald brothers of San Berdoo knew this and we know the history of the monster
they created ever since. But it seems lately riding by there are now McCafes,
and stopping in for our dollar drink, it is hard to find a hamburger on the
menu. It seems they have lost their way, and by trying new McWhatevers, they
are trying to keep people coming in and keep their franchisees happy. But as
food prices go higher, and you can charge $3.00 for a ten cent cup of coffee,
the reinvention of itself will continue. Someday I can see a grandson asking
his grandfather “they used to serve food here? Hamburgers? What was a Big
Mac?” And I don’t think I’m very far off. Burger Kings now sell hot dogs, an
addition to having it your way? Don’t know if they are flame broiled or not.
While riding across the US of A we are seeing local chains going nationwide.
One in particular, Culver’s, can sell you a 1/4 pound cheeseburger, crinkle cut
fires, and a milkshake for $5.50, good food, they are a dairy based chain, and
as you eat your meal, ask your trendy lunch mate what he got for his $5.50 as he
sips his latte. Steak and Shake still offers $4.00 meals anywhere except
California, and around So Cal we find Bakers, who always seem to be busy when we
go by. But maybe the best example of success, is In and Out, serving the same
basic menu since 1948, burgers, fries, and a soda or milk shake. And they are
always busy, ever notice when one is next to a nationwide chain, their store is
packed, while the other is half full? You know what you are getting, no signs
or signs for latte yet, a customer knows what he wants when he goes in and gets
it. Add Wendy’s to the list of adding to the menu of burgers, remember it was
Dave Thomas’ philosophy of the first bite and the last bite of the burger that
made him famous. How many sipping a latte can say the same thing?
So a simple menu, done well and executed properly is still the test of
time. American business is full of companies who were successful but lost their
way. Where when faced with competition tried different things, and got away
from their basic premise. I find too many churches today are like McDonalds,
where we have McChurches, where you can choose form the menu of what you like.
Where some even post the message for next week, if you like it, go. If not,
search elsewhere, I know guys who do and did. Soon losing their direction too.
When the disciples started the early church it was based on Jesus, and they met
a lot. Sometimes spontaneously as the spirit moved them. I know of pastors
known as prophecy teachers who offer no such insight. Some who sell a softer,
gentler religion, and may even include Jesus, just in case you are listening.
Some live by fire and brimstone preaching, secure in the fact they are the only
ones saved, and condemning any who don’t believe their way. Jesus may be the
truth, but in these churches he is not the way. He many times is in the way, as
perpetual youth groups are selling things to raise money. That ministering is
memorizing the word, and self congratulation is the order. Where you can order
off the menu of what you are hungry for, and miss the blessings that God
offers. Discount theology, a coupon to get them in, but a very unsatisfying
meal leaving them as hungry as when hey entered. Maybe that explains the rush
to leave the service.....full but not fulfilled. A buffet of scripture, yet the
fact remains, the truth is the truth and always will be, no matter how trendy or
socially acceptable they try to make it. Special sauces, special offerings, but
as Wendy’s once asked “where’s the beef?” Where is Jesus in all this? Be ready
for a latte type answer, watered down from the truth. Adding anything to
scripture comes with a cost, read the last verse of Revelation, yet they say
“come Lord Jesus.” Before we receive him again on earth, he has left his spirit
to guide us. By his hand we must be fed. Sola scriptura. With the holy spirit
to guide. And for all who hunger and thirst, in Jesus we will thirst no
more. Bring back the basic menu, the gospel.
Today Coca Cola Zero Sugar is making waves, I predict the Real Thing will
be gone in 10 years. Watch the market trends, as the one time hallowed name of
Coca Cola gets added to new products trying to gain or keep market share. But
just like Coke will always be the real thing, so will Jesus, others may quench
the thirst for a moment, but we get hungry and need him all the time, not just
at a a meal on Sunday. Memorizing scripture is like knowing everything on the
menu, but until you eat of it, you never know how good it really is. Like many
fast food places today, it is the size of the fries that is the only
difference. All burgers start with beef, but don’t necessarily end there.
Jesus is the meat of the scripture, his love the recipe, and his consistency his
guarantee. He is the same, only the menu of where he is served changes.
Maybe we need to get back to the basics of fast food, and the basics of
Jesus. Keep your religion and coupons, give me truth, fill me up to
overflowing, and make me want more. Show me love not a menu, serve me
individually and not be just the one in 99 who missed the daily special. The
gospel is a basic menu of how to be saved, and if Jesus is not on it, eat
elsewhere. Maybe lattes are the milk of today that Paul wrote about, because we
aren’t ready for solid food. You can have it your way, but Jesus will always be
the way. You deserve a break today, the comfort of the holy spirit. Supersized
without asking or paying more. If you know of a place like that, stay faithful
to it. Some places may claim billions served, no need to wait inline with
Jesus. And of course, I’ll have fries with that...which is better than frying
later.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com