COFFEE IN CHURCH
image courtesy of photobucket.com
I’m a legalist… Yeah, if you know me, you know I loathe legalism and struggle to grant grace to legalists… But in my flesh, even without trying, I fall into its ugly vat, mixing and simmering with the rest of the poison stew, waiting to boil over and scorch everything in its maniacal path.
I make little rules for myself to live by, rules regarding my religion or my relationship with God. I live my little internal rules trying to show reverence to the One I serve, but they’re rules all the same. They start with a striving heart, but with the wrong source of power.
One of my Pharisaical rules is when praying before or even sometimes during sleep, after the prayer, “Thou must open thine eyes, at least for a split second, to signal the end of thy prayer and the beginning of sleep… Lest thou be tempted to fall asleep or mix prayer and sleep.”
Does that sound a little goofy? Yeah, I agree. Although I started following my internal rule with a pure heart, it’s gone beyond heart and spirit to flesh. It’s hard not to be a legalist in this flesh. It’s seems were prone to rely on our flesh instead of the power of the One that has given us power over it.
We take short cuts… We think we’ll just do the right thing before God to appease Him. I wonder how disrespected He must feel when we treat Him like a neighbor? “How you doin”? the obligatory greeting to the neighbor, friend, or co-worker, then the obligatory greeting to God who sustains the cosmos at every second of every day.
We tend to use God’s gift of free will to take over His role … It might fool our neighbor, but it’s not fooling God. We’re good at making up rules, not quite as good at keeping them, but even worse at living the rules in our hearts instead of our bodies.
Some years ago we started to see people bring the Fru-fru-lah-lah Starbucks coffee drinks into church service. It’s become common place now in the church. My first reaction was fury. I felt like they were breaking God’s rules in the church, His sanctuary. I even asked my wife, “Whatta they think this is, a show”? – “Sucking on the whip cream, tipping their head back at the end of the cup to get the last drop! Like this is the Matinee or something”!
Oh yeah, I can spot a rule breaker a mile away… I just can’t spot the heartless hypocritical accuser quite as easily… Maybe I should have my wife bring a pocket mirror to show me my reflection once in awhile…
While I don’t feel comfortable drinking coffee in church, doesn’t mean others can’t seek, worship, and honor God while they have a cup of coffee. After all, He writes His laws in our hearts and I’m not so sure He doesn’t change the insignificant rules slightly for all of us for a divine purpose only He knows.
It’s easy to pick and choose rules, even Bible verses to make our case… If our case isn’t made in selfless sacrifice and honor before God, then it’s made in the flesh… and those rules can lead to even more ridiculous rules…
Like opening your eyes for a split second to separate a prayer from sleep…
Good grief…
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 6:46 am
🙂 as always great to be able to see the non-sense we inflict up ourselves!
You pray before you sleep, be proud of that, don’t worry about the eyes….:)
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 7:06 am
Thanks Rose, well said. I guess all is not lost!
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 7:33 am
I agree with Rose about praying before you sleep. Shoot, I can’t even hit the pillow without my eyes closing. 🙂 I have had no trouble with people drinking coffee, etc during worship. I am just glad they are there. One of the things that has allowed me freedom is making sure I see the building as just that…the building. I am the church. I am the sanctuary. That really set me free for a whole lot of things. Once pastored a church where they would not put anything on the walls for fear of messing them up. Yeah, they got bent when I started putting posters & banners up, but then got over it. 🙂
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 10:12 am
I hear you Bill. Old habits die hard. I think we all tend to legalism, we tend to try to fit God into a list of do’s and don’ts, probably because it hurts to expand the mind in an attempt to grasp the omnipotence and sovereignty of God.
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 7:36 am
I used to worry about praying before bed and falling asleep too. I used to think that if I fell asleep during prayer that it meant I wasn’t focused enough on God. I’m learning that it just means it’s time to go to sleep and God gave me that chance to rest. 🙂
We used to drink coffee during service and though I still don’t mind that we don’t do it anymore because we are now in our new building with new furniture and such and don’t want to mess it up. Plus it was a little distracting to see people getting up during services.
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 10:14 am
Thanks April. I’m relieved to know that I’m not alone! Your words are full of wisdom and common sense, I’m taking notes!
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 9:10 am
You are so right on about Christians making up our own rules. As humans we need structure and the Bible gives a really detailed way to live, not sure why we feel the need to add to it, but we do.
I remember in High School my mom freaking out that on Wed nights the youth wore jeans to church! Fast forward almost twenty years and she freaks out over the coffee in churches!
It’s easy for me to spot her “rules”, not so easy to spot my own. Thanks for helping me assess my own legalistic tendencies.
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 10:16 am
Thanks TC, we do tend to try to police ourselves don’t we? Crazy! With the power of the cosmos within, yet we still try to take it over in the flesh… The flesh is weak indeed!
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 11:56 am
Interesting thoughts. It got me thinking of whether I was legalistic in my thinking on certain subjects or whether certain things were not God honoring. I think specifically of when churches sell specialty coffee to their members. Would Jesus be pleased? Hope you are doing well. Rosemarie Malroy
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 1:34 pm
It’s great to hear from you Rosemarie! Yeah, I have to admit I too struggle with those types of questions. In the end I’ve learned I’m not God, I can’t measure the heart, I struggle with mine too often! But, I think the fact that we’re contemplating the world through the heart of our Father, it can’t be all bad.
I truly appreciate your willingness to be open about it. I’m doing well, I hope all is well with you too.
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 2:22 pm
Floyd,
You pray before you sleep just like I pray before I fish. I pray for just one bite, then just one catch, then two, then three ect. I do some of my best praying at the lake. I know God is close to me and I also know I don’t need to be in a structured church to show my faith. Some nights I pray just to fall asleep.
I also was shocked to see some people drinking coffee in church and showing up 15 minutes late, only to leave 10 minutes early. The fact that they all make an effort to attend is what they should be accounted for, not what I think.
I always enjoy reading your blogs. Thanks.
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 6:21 pm
Leave it to you Lanito! You’re hilarious! Well said my friend, “Not what I think.” I guess that sums it up pretty well. I’m honored that you read my ramblings. Thank you my old friend.
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 2:49 pm
I had to chuckle…BUT, let me say this…Flesh is flesh and Spirit is Spirit – and never the two shall meet.
There are lots of spiritual principles , which, if heeded, would put an end to A Christian’s slackness, or to being dull of hearing or leaking power. It is not wrong to recognize those things that may be disrespectful in worship.
Honoring God is done from the inside out. Then, outside actions and preferences will line up with those actions that DO honor God and bring HIM glory.
The Apostle Paul says that all things are lawful, BUT not ALL things are profitable.
There are rules. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. What you sow is what you reap. Put on the New Man. How many times have we heard that the wise man built his house on the Rock, but the foolish on sand. We are to take heed HOW we hear. The Body of Christ is a little sloppy these days. It tends to tolerate and accept a lot of changes which may not be so healthy for it. Still, God is God.
What I take away from your post is that each of us is to be obedient to that which has been revealed to us. We are to look at ourselves and and be mindful of those areas where God is working with us. This way, more revelation will come. Not every Christian will be at the same level, based on choices. For those who want more, more will be required of them.
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 6:32 pm
Well said Nancy, it seems the more we grow the more we realize our need and shortcomings. Glad I could give you a chuckle! Thanks!
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 6:51 pm
My husband just wrote a post titled So Many voices and recognizing voices. I recognize Nancy’s voice in the above comment, and Christians today need to learn to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit. I agree that I am happy they are at church, but – – we are to respect God’s house in our dress, our behavior and how we have our coffee time. At one time I attended a church that was in a Hall, and it was informal and I drank coffee along with the others, Then someone spilled the coffee and made a mess and the Pastor requested that all coffee be before church in the kitchen and none in the “sanctuary.” We respected the pastor. The church I now attend is formal, and the service is about one hour and 15 minutes. Over by 11:15am and we then visit the fellowship room, and enjoy coffee and cookies and treats. We can sit at tables and get better acquainted with each other. I usually wear a dress to church, but not all the ladies do. If I wear pants to church it is an outfit that is neat and not sloppy. Praying at night – – never thought to end a prayer with a wink, but God certainly does understand.
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 7:47 pm
Hazel! Of all the people I thought you’d understand my two eyed wink! Just kidding… We do tend to make up our own rules and they usually are with a good heart, we just tend to get carried away I think. Isn’t it fascinating how we have a voice unique only to us? I appreciate yours…
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 11:52 pm
Floyd,
I appreciate the point you make about using out free will to take on the role of God. We do strut around as demo-gods, don’t we? I know we’re all critical if the Pharisees, but apart from the grace we have through Jesus, we are just like them. I used to think it was bad to fall asleep while praying, but then I cuss in prayer sometimes, so that’s even worse! And I would try to word my prayers just right, even in my head! Then I just gave into the reality that he lives me so much, even with all these stupid flaws. Now I go to sleep praying because being in the arms of God is the best place to curl up and rest!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 @ 6:58 am
That’s a beautiful word picture Alyssa… There might not be a better way, place, or mindset, to fall asleep; in the hands of God. Thanks for that perspective.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 @ 1:03 pm
I really love this post. I have done a thousand things like it over the years. And as far as treating God like an acquaintance, I immediately thought of those people who don’t really care (I admit I’ve been one) who are walking quickly by and throw out a “how’s it going?” and don’t even wait for an answer. I realized how stupid this was a couple years back and I try to slow down long enough to have a real conversation (if the person wants). Anyway, we can do the same thing to God. We throw a greeting out there and just keep walking.
Good stuff, Floyd. Thank you.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 @ 1:28 pm
Thanks Jason. I appreciate your story and insight… I’ll use it as a reminder to stop and really engage a person… not one of my strengths…
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 @ 2:24 pm
I used to go to a real “progressive, seeker friendly” church with a cafe and everything. People would bring coffee in (including myself), but the only time it seemed to bother me was during worship…”could ya put down the joe while you lifting your hands” I found myself saying.
Amazing, legalism will creep in…even in someone as “spiritual” as me…(just kidding of course)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 @ 5:26 pm
Sounds a bit dangerous if the coffee is hot! We are indeed bent toward the ugly side of legalism that’s for sure… At least some of us! Thanks for the input Jay.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 @ 8:18 pm
I was invited to a church and saw they had an onsite coffee shop named HeBrews. I was embarrassed to see that name up on the outside wall. But I decided to venture in. I told them I didn’t like the taste of coffee and wondered if they sold caffeine pills. They looked at me like I was an addict but still I commended them on doing such a fine job on distributing one of the most addictive drugs in the U.S. It was amazing how many dirty looks I got. I was offered a free “shot” to try it out. I told them “no thanks…I don’t do drugs.” Churches and their profits.
They need less attention on profits and more attention on prophets.
Needless to say with a first impression like that…I decided not to venture into the main hall for sermon. I’m sure it on tithing anyway.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 @ 5:23 pm
No doubt people will fail in their attempts to everything right, but I think if they were offering the coffee out of kindness, that’s not a bad start. I’ve seen worse at church! Thanks for your comment, Mike.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 @ 6:35 pm
The shot was free…as if that would change my mind on getting coffee there. But the coffee was for sale, lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, doubel shots …you name it.
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 7:25 pm
When I see people selling coffee in church I think about Jesus going into the temple flipping tables saying you have turned my Fathers temple into a house of thieves, they have no business selling anything in church for profit. Its a no brainer. But then, the churches are really good at doing unbiblical things so more power to them, they can deal with God when they face him,
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 4:54 pm
I wouldn’t begin to argue with you there, Tammy. If they want to serve it, give it… don’t sell it… Thanks for the comment.