Based on Philippians 4:8, a simple cup of coffee becomes a powerful lesson about guarding your heart and mind.
We are big coffee drinkers in my house! My kids and their spouses also love coffee. When they were young, they were allowed an occasional sip of coffee with plenty of milk, but never a full cup. I had no idea that something as simple as coffee would turn into such a meaningful spiritual lesson.
When my kids reached the age where they wanted to watch some movies, try video games, and do what some of their friends were doing, I decided it was time for a lesson they would never forget.
Coffee Day
One beautiful spring Saturday, I happily announced, “Today is coffee day!” This was the day they would each get their own cup of coffee, decaf, of course. They were thrilled. There was only one condition. They had to help build it.
That made the whole idea better. He felt that he had grown up.
They carefully selected their mugs, placemats and napkins and set the table. Standing on a stool, my daughter poured water into the coffee maker while my son helped scoop the beans into the grinder and pour the grounds into the filter. There was more water and coffee on the counter than the machine, but they were proud of their work.
And of course, both insisted on pressing the start button.
“Wait a minute,” I said. “One more thing to add.”
A cup of coffee like no other
I reached for the paper bag.
“Mommy, shall we have cinnamon in our coffee today?” my seven-year-old asked excitedly. “I love cinnamon in my coffee!” “Not today,” I said.
Then, one by one, I added the contents of the bag to the filter. An eggshell. A chicken bone. Lemon peel. Some dog kibble. And, to their utter horror, the tissue used.
I will never forget their faces. Shock quickly turned into loud protests. Eve www. No. Yuck.
I put on a pleasant expression and let the coffee brew. I then poured each of them a full cup, ignoring their very strong objections.
“Well,” I said cheerfully, “drink.” “No!” they said together.
I asked why.
They told me they wouldn’t drink coffee because of all the ycky things I put in it. “But there’s a filter,” I reminded him. “He’ll catch the big chunks. Go ahead. It’s coffee day.”
That’s when we sat down and talked about what really matters.
Philippian life lessons
I shared this scripture with them:
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is beautiful, whatever is honorable, if there is anything, think on these things. Phil 4:8
We talked about how, as they grew, there would be things that others might invite them to see or do that were not good or pleasing to God. Some of those things may not seem like a big deal at first. But just like coffee, once something is added, the flavor remains. A filter can remove what is clear, but it cannot remove what has already been altered in taste.
Similarly, even small things that are not good for the heart and mind can affect thoughts, attitudes and choices. Just as “junk” coffee can make them sick, wrong influences can harm both physically and spiritually.
We finished that lesson sitting together, this time with a fresh cup of coffee, full of goodies, milk, sugar and a little cinnamon. It was a sweet moment, and one I will never forget.
And that is still true today.
No matter the age or stage of life, what matters is what is approved in the heart and mind. Even small compromises can change more than expected.
So the next time you pour yourself a cup of coffee, let it be a gentle reminder to be careful about what you drink and focus on what’s good.
Scripture to meditate on this week
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is beautiful, whatever is honorable, if there is anything, think on these things. Phil 4:8
Happy Sunday, friends,
