I would like to go on record as not being a coffee drinker. Long before it became trendy to pay 10 times too much for your trendy cup of Joe, I didn't like it. Seems I never had trouble getting up, or staying up, so I never started drinking it. And yes, I did try it once. Love the smell, but when it didn't taste like it smelled, that was enough. And I am not anti-coffee, as I used to sell both Maryland Club and Folgers-and did quite well winning awards for selling both. I guess when it comes down to it, I don't agree with the trendiness of selling something that costs less than a nickel a cup to make for $4! I don't like sitting indoors, or out where people vegetate while nursing their cup for the afternoon, when they could be riding. But mostly I am against the attitudes I find there, yes I have walked into Starbucks with other friends who need their dose of trendy caffeine to function. What I miss is the Coffee Shop, or Shoppe, depending on your income level.
Long before high priced lattes, and designer sandwiches and croissants, we had coffee shops. Before you even sat down, the cup and saucer had hit the table, and it could be had with toast or a muffin. Some would even have a small breakfast menu, eggs and bacon with toast, but the idea was this was a short trip, and that your time was important to you. Waitresses called you honey or sweetheart, coffee with breakfast got you out for under $2, and you always left a generous tip. You had a relationship with the waitresses, not that kind, the kind where you knew about each other's families, and no small talk was allowed, you didn't have time for it. Real men took their coffee black, the decaf pot always had to be rebrewed due to sitting so long, and only an occasional oddball, like me, would order tea. And you got a bag of Lipton, there again no designer, caffeine free, green tea that was healthful. Just like the 500 calorie donut, you drank it because you wanted it, not to make a fashion statement.
Regular, decaf, or instant-those are your choices in life it seems. Black with strength, or a latte-milk with coffee added. But for some reason, coffee must be had. Only the most hard core drink instant, if it tastes like it smells I really wouldn't like it. And it seems that coffee, or its attitude has invaded the church. Where once you went to church to fellowship, worship, and learn about God, now it has become trendy. I know people who insist on a certain church brand-because of the music, or the pastor is popular-did you read his latest book? Saw him on Oprah. They take their religion light, like latte, don't bring Jesus into it, it changes the flavor. I just want enough so that I feel my obligation is fulfilled, even though I may not be. Check out their designer Bible covers, clean and neat from not being opened-it may crack the vinyl. Besides, who has time to read it-that's why I go to church. How much can God expect from me anyway?
We also have instant Christians. No time for God, so they listen on the radio, when nothing else is on. They may read the trendy books on the newest rage, and tune God in when needed, which is not very often. Church-when I have no other plans, and if it doesn't interfere with anything else. A quick trip with Jesus, never getting the flavor or the aroma, that knowing Him personally brings. A cup here, a cup there, but never enough to stimulate.
Decaf Christians are similar. All the church, but not the Jesus. I believe in God. He drives a BMW, so I should too. The Bible, some old book, for weaklings. Don't talk to me about religion, I'm not for it. And never get to know Jesus, who didn't like religion either, and died on the cross so they could be free from their sin. Decaf-no flavor and no life. And just like the formaldehyde it is decaffeinated with, they ae being embalmed because they are spiritually dead-they just don't know it.
But true Christians, those that call Jesus Lord, take it black. Nothing else in it that can contaminate it or change the flavor. Jesus is all they desire, and all they want. Their Bibles are worn, and the pages covered with notes. They know all about Jesus because He is personal. And like the waitress, He knows what they want before they show up, and He has it ready for them. Great service, great coffee, and a great relationship. Nothing religion can offer interests them, and they desire a blend that only Jesus can provide. Black and strong, and hot. Fresh, just like the gospel. And like the spirit, the pot is always fresh.
Don't settle for a trendy religion, when Jesus is available. Better than any religion, He brings freedom. And you will love the flavor. Take a few moments to soak in the aroma of His love, and then spend a few minutes with Him. Find a church that is like a coffee shop, and not a Starbucks. Get to know your fellow brothers and sisters, and stick around and fellowship while having another cup.
Jesus Christ-everything you want from a God-and more. And I don't recall Him ever drinking a latte! Let the relationship you have with Him be just like your coffee-black, strong, and with nothing to change Him. God got it right the first time-He needs no additives, or a trendy place to serve you. Stop and thank Him now-the pot is on, and He has a mug with your name on it. At the coffee shop/church of your choice.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com