Whenever I visit home, I always have same routine. I make the dull drive down Interstate 81, hug my mom, and then head straight to one of my favorite places on Earth. I drive across my small country town and pull into a crowded parking lot illuminated by a bright red sign. I walk in with a bounce in my step to be greeted by a polo-wearing employee with a super-sized smile. “Spicy chicken with a side of pickles,” I request. “My pleasure,” he replies.
Have you ever heard of Chick-Fil-A? My hometown’s Chick-Fil-A was one of the things I missed most while living in the northeast. This “Christian chicken” place has a passionate fan base, game-changing peach milkshakes, terrific sandwiches, and some of the greatest customer service you’ll ever experience. Here is the wild thing: They make more money per location than any other fast food chain, even though they are closed on Sundays.
The founder of Chick-Fil-A is a devout Christian who believes it is important to give his employees a day off to spend time with family and to reset. How on Earth can a place preform so well while being closed 17% more than most other stores? It’s simple— multiplication by subtraction. God’s Kingdom operates upside-down. You are more productive when you take a day to rest and reset.
In John 6, Jesus feeds a massive crowd when a boy gives away his lunch. Sadly, it wasn’t a spicy chicken sandwich with pickles; it was some fish and bread. However, when this young man gave, a massive crowd received. God was able to make big things happen with that small gift. This is how living in God’s Kingdom works. You will experience multiplication by subtraction.
When you give, you receive.
When you take a day off to rest, God makes you more productive.
When you are humble, God lifts you up.
When you embrace your weakness, God gives you strength.
When you die to yourself, you experience a full and fulfilled life.