This morning our staff met for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. In the past I would’ve ordered “Uncle Herschel’s Favorite” or “Old Timer’s Breakfast.” I’ve not enjoyed either option since I lost weight. Today I ordered the “Good Morning Breakfast” because it is filling and has considerably fewer calories. One problem though: It comes with grits and I DO NOT like grits.
I decided to do what I always do on such occasions – substitute something. I studied the menu, noticing the prices of the various items so I could request a substitute of equal or less cost. I settled on asking for more “scrambled egg beaters” – the store’s profit margin would actually grow under my scenario.
Not so fast… They had to check the computer to see what was allowed to be substituted. Wouldn’t you know it – egg beaters were not allowed. Several items, some of which cost more than grits, were available. So I chose apple sauce. The cook was gracious and actually poured more egg beaters on the cook top than normal, so I got more egg beaters and the apple sauce. It worked out well for me. The waitress did a great job and she thought the whole thing was funny. I ate well and left very satisfied.
But the incident got me to thinking about one of my least favorite words – “bureaucracy.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “bureaucracy” as “a system of government or business that has many complicated rules and ways of doing things.”
It seems that common sense and the willingness to make decisions without a rule book are disappearing fast in our world. Government rules increasingly make it difficult for churches and ministries to actually help people. When I listen to our business owners, I hear similar complaints. Rules, rules, rules…it seems no one wants to be responsible for just making a sensible decision anymore. We have to have a rule book.
God’s rule book is really simple. Love God and love people. Jesus said if we did that, the rest would pretty much fall into place.
I’m glad the cook at Cracker Barrel found a way to give me some more egg beaters in place of those horrible grits. While the computer said what corporate told it to say, the guy pouring the egg beaters put the customer first. That’s a pretty good example of how to love God by loving people.
Oh, for those of you upset because I called grits “horrible” – God’s rule says you have to love me anyway.
Pastor Steve Hogg
Beth McCormick says
This blog really speaks to me Steve. If folks would only rely on the “Good Book” rules without just picking through it to find the ones they like , the world would be a better place. We can not just follow the ones that suit us and we can change the wording to fit what we like. The Bible is God’s Holy Word and it is to be followed not ,edited to suit us! I am currently praying for several family members who are playing the editing game with God’s word . It is often a challenge to know how to witness to those you love who are so stubborn .You know they can read but ,often you wonder if they were taught to read the whole story !