Thank You Starbucks

Simplify.

In the past six months this seems to be the instruction I continue to receive from the Lord.  With my oldest in high school, my youngest in diapers, and the middle two on the Autism Spectrum, I started feeling completely overwhelmed.  Longing for order in the midst of much chaos, I inquired of the Lord.  "Simplify" was the response.

This simplifying process started with closets, cabinets, and drawers; clearing out the clutter and organizing what we use.  Simplifying then moved into my time management as I began to re prioritize, eliminate, and place limits on things affecting my schedule and how our home functions.

In moving toward a more simplified way of living I've found I'm less stressed and more able to meet the necessary demands of my life.  Minimizing my surroundings and my schedule have allowed me to focus on what's truly important, what I'm truly called to be and do, and in doing so, has made life more meaningful and enjoyable.

As the holidays began to approach I found myself wondering how to apply a "less is more" philosophy to a time of year I used to love and now am too stressed out about meeting all its demands to enjoy.  Ironically, around the same time and practically as confirmation of my simplifying overhaul of life, Starbucks released its simple red holiday cup.  Now there has been much uproar by many Christians over this design (or lack there of).  I'm certain you've heard all about it.  However, and this may shock some people who know me, this Christian would like to say, Thank you Starbucks.

In a world where Christmas has been turned into Santa and snowmen, reindeer and gingerbread houses, stockings and presents, snowflakes and jingle bells, mistletoe and holy wreathes, the perfect Christmas tree and a "to do" list that's a mile long, I say thank you Starbucks, for reminding me of the simplicity of what this season is truly all about.  Without even realizing it, without even meaning to, you have presented the Gospel and the Christmas message, in its most basic form ... Jesus being born into this world for the sole purpose of shedding His blood to save it!

Do I think there's a war on Christianity?  Yes.  Do I think Starbuck's red cups have something to do with it?  No.  Certainly as Christians, we are called to hold to our personal convictions (Rom. 14:22-23).  If that means boycotting a company or taking a marker and decorating your cup or patronizing another coffee shop that is better aligned with your values and beliefs, so be it.  That's the great thing about living in America!  But in light of true persecution of Christians around the world, this doesn't qualify, and in my opinion, is as silly as others who claim there is a war on women here in America when horrific atrocities are taking place against women around the world every day!

To me the bottom line is this, a Christian shows their faith by what they do and say ... not by a coffee cup, a bumper sticker, a necklace, or any other outward symbol.  I'm not against symbols of faith, but if we are relying on symbols to express our faith we may have missed the entire point of being a Christian.  The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:20 "You will know them by their fruits," and what just happens to be the first fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?  Love!  In John 13:35, Jesus Himself tells us "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

Please don't mistake what I am saying.  I'm not suggesting compromising Biblical values.  That is a fight worth having!  Red cups are not.  Let's not be conformed to a world that is offended by everything and everyone.  As Christians, may our hearts only be broken over that which breaks God's heart, and in all honesty, watching His children get upset over a coffee cup probably does.

Do you want to make a loving, Christlike impact this holiday season? How about generously tipping your barista?  Or paying for the coffee of the person behind you?  Why not throw in a "Merry Christmas" and an invite to your church's Christmas service?  Better yet, how about going down to a food kitchen and serving coffee to the poor and homeless ... those of which Jesus commanded us to care for.

In whatever way you choose, be salt - be light!  But know your audience and realize that for those not in Christ, too much salt is disgusting and too much light is blinding. Remember you are called to catch fish, not clean them. Note too, the differences in Jesus' conversations depending on who He was speaking to ... loving and trusting to His Father, authoritative toward Satan, wisely upending the comments of Pharisees and Sadducees, teachings to His followers, more detailed teachings and instructions for His closest disciples, and for those whom He encountered for the very first time He gave simple truth ... a red cup.

In 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, Paul instructs us to "Give no offense to the Jew, the Greek, or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that THEY MAY BE SAVED." (Emphasis mine).  Of course here, Paul is speaking of clean and unclean food, but I believe the container would also apply.

So as you are out and about this holiday season, go ahead and stop by your favorite coffee shop.  Enjoy your favorite latte or cappuccino, but remember that the true meaning of Christmas for those in Christ is not what's given to you on a cup but what's given to others from your heart.  It is the deep love of Christ that has been poured out in our hearts that causes our cup to runneth over, allowing others to taste and see that this Jesus we love and serve, is good. (Rom. 5:5, Ps. 23:5, Ps. 34:8) He is the reason for the season!  He is the best gift this world has ever and will ever receive!