Looking at Life From a Starbucks

      

      I have been sitting here for just about an hour and have seen many different kinds of people come in and out. Some people in casual clothes others in suits-n-ties. I wonder what the massive appeal of this place is. I have come here today to break up the monotony of sitting at home all the time doing work. I have not been doing anything special just checking email and looking at Facebook while people watching. I have come across two “friends” using the term loosely. They are more acquaintances, one is here meeting another person while, the other works on different things on his computer.

            This place is what is considered cool and hip; it allows you to have what ever you desire the way you want it. But that is not the way things go with God. He does not give us everything our hearts desire, because he knows that we are sinful and there are times we are going to ask for things we do not need, for whatever reason. James is a great book of the Bible full of some great insights. He says “You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:2-3, ESV) We are selfish people, is what James is saying. I’m not saying that there is anything inherently wrong with wanting things, it depends on why we want them that brings up the issue. Do I go to Starbucks to fit in and be part of something or do I really like the coffee? My answer would be both. I like feeling like I am part of culture that is accepted. We all do some degree. I am usually standing outside looking in because I do not accept all of what modern society is trying to push on me. While I enjoy the atmosphere, I do not support everything they support.

            I am a Bible believing Christian and that makes me different than some of their clients. Remember I said there were all types of people who were coming and going. Do you think it’s okay to frequent a business even if you do not agree with all of its practices?  Paul told us to be all things to all people, and to eat what is put in front of us, unless we know for sure it has been sacrificed to idols.  I say whatever you do, do it to the glory of the Lord.  I hope that my short stay in Starbucks had a positive impact on those I came in contact with. My point in all of this is no matter what you are looking for find it in Christ and not in a place, a culture, or things. Because in the end they are temporal and will pass-away, while the love of Jesus will last forever. Don’t just look at the right now but think about the enteral impact things will have and trust that the Lord can use you.

God Bless

-Preach


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