So, I am deliberating on what to post today, feeding the need to be selective, not wanting to defend thoughts or methodologies. I could talk about…........instead:
I like my coffee dark and rich with a little cream or milk. Every once in a while I will order a Quad shot Caramel Macchiato, Pumpkin Spice Latte, or Egg Nog Latte. So, the other week I went to Starbucks with one of my kids and I had this moment of “I want something different.” Then I saw it…a little sampler…with pink sprinkles on it. First thought…was “NO”…I want something else…but the sprinkles got me.
So I ordered one…and the barista said… “I love those…”
I was in conflict…I was good with a coffee, even a latte, but now … what if I don’t like this drink with the pink sprinkles? Have you ever placed an order at someplace and then want to change your mind, but you know it is too late? That was what I was going through. Then it came up…my drink was ready….hey, this is feeling like 24!!!!
I took a straw, as is my custom, and placed it through a lid and then placed the lid on my coffee cup. I gently formed my lips around the straw, and inhaled (SLOWLY) and…..and…..and…...it was really, really, really good.
Two things contributed to me wanting this product…first was the sample that was sitting on the counter. It looked good, attractive, tasty…it made me want to try it, after all it was a sample and it was FREE! (I am so Manitoban) The second thing was the fact that the employee, the one who works at the establishment and even makes the drink…said that she loved them.
In Matthew 5 Jesus is talking and says “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
In Matthew 5 Jesus is talking and says “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
So, as followers of Christ are we are called to be walking advertisements for Him? Should people see our lives and at least be interested in what is going on inside of us? This doesn’t mean that we are perfect, but we are called to live in such as way that attracts people to Jesus. The next thing was the ‘testimony’ of the barista. She influenced my decision and she didn’t even know I was contemplating a decision like that. If she was that influential in regards to a drink just imagine how influential you and I could be in just sharing with friends about Christ?
There are people that we come across daily……………
2 comments:
One of the key factors was that you went into Starbucks on your own expecting to walk out with a coffee. The difference was that you left with something new that you liked. If you follow your thought through then it would be like a person visiting Soul and meeting someone who offers them possibly a new thought or way to see God in their lives. Because of their testimony the visitor is drawn into experiencing it for him/herself and in the end discovers something new and exciting to enrich their personal journey with God.
Even though I'm a believer, for parts of my life I feel like I've been advertising for the other side. I have to constantly watch my words and actions. As for advocating and sharing the Good News, that's something I've always found very stressful and frightening. I'm a reserved person who rarely talks to strangers; even just talking about mundane subjects with neighbors takes me out of my comfort zone. The last two messages at Soul have been challenging - I have no problem connecting with the culture, but it's a massive challenge for me to get to know my neighbors. They are my only contact with non-believers, since all my friends are Christians and I work in a Christian institution.
On the lighter side - what was the drink? I had a good one there last week - peppermint mocha frappucino.
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