Don’t Even Talk to Me Until I’ve Had My Coffee
You’ve seen that commercial where the man won’t talk to anyone until he get’s his cup of fast food coffee. 
I’m sure you’ve even known someone like that…probably several someone’s. I used to have a relative that would hold up her hand to indicate she would not respond until after her coffee.
We laugh at this commercial and accept it as normal behavior. Many of us are not morning people. Jesus may have felt like it, but I cannot imagine him telling Peter to just clam up until he’d had his morning jolt of java.
Now wait just a second, Christ doesn’t care if I use a cup of coffee to start my day.
I’m not saying that. But I do believe that what Christ does care about is how you represent Him.
“…in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” ~Phil. 2:3
“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” ~Mark 9:35
It seems clear from scripture, and the nature of Christ, that as Christians we are to put others first. And yet, society (aka “the world”) tells us “it’s everyone for themselves,” “look out for yourself,” take care of number one.”
We know who we should listen to, but when it comes down to it, who do we actually obey?
It is easy to obey when it is comfortable, but how about when it comes to that first cup of coffee? How about when you’ve had a bad day and your nerves are frayed? Or what about when you DO treat others as if they are more significant than you are, and they agree with you?
God knows about that, too. In both Matthew and Luke Jesus talks about how even the unsaved love and do good for those who are good to them. But we as His namesake, should be different and show that difference in our actions toward others (aka “the world”). Seem impossible? Maybe on your own power…but with the power of the Holy Spirit and through Christ we can do all things.
John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Lord, help me to be a strong witness for you by counting others as more significant than myself, even if they believe they are more significant, too. Help me to be a true servant of you, by being a servant to others so that they may see you in me and give you glory. Holy Spirit give me the love to be humble, the faith to be consistent, and the hope to reach out and serve even more for you.
Karen Sleeth
Karen Sleeth has lived in North Carolina for 26 years. She shares her home with two kitties who cause her to laugh every day. She firmly believes that a merry heart does good like a medicine and some days overdoses.
You know, I couldn’t agree more! I’m discovering that the frayed nerves have a lot to do with diet/over “caffeination”, lack of exercise, lack of order. When all of those things fall into place, I find it much easier to respond as If I were a Christian.
Which sometimes seems to be intermittently.
So, a hearty AMEN to your lovely post as well as a “ya… and…” know yourself! “She who is faithful in the little *(her diet/exercise/etc) will be given much (relationships,grace, ease of kindness).
Amy
Thanks for your good word, Amy. Sounds like you’ve been dealing with the frayed nerves. How timely, huh? I think we’re all a little frayed at this “festive” time of year. Amen to the “faithful in a little.”
Yes’m, Ms. Karen. I have. My nerves would call for the reverse: “Don’t talk to me if I’ve HAD a cup of coffee.” Just now figuring all of that out. I love your “who do we actually obey?” statement. Ouch and I love that!
By the way, I’m new to blog stuff and am afraid I got confused with the names on your newest post. For the record, I am aware that you are the lovely Karen Sleeth. And I’m being encouraged by you. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you for your kind words, Amy. I am basking in the “lovely.”
Thank you Karen! I agree with you on this! I have seen that comercial and the thought came to me how I would react to someone who did that. I think that I would tell them simply that you need Jesus to start your day more than a cup of coffee. I not saying that to condem anyone but the reality is we do need Him more than the cup of coffee. I have never said this to anyone until now. I have thought about in my own life that I need to be more focused on the Lord and what He wants me to do not what I want. Blessings to you Karen.
Hi Marie,
Thanks again for your constant support of the blog.
What about demonstrating the love of Christ by contrasting their actions with bringing them a cup of coffee?
I like that idea Karen!