Starbucks Christianity

Growing Daily

Starbucks Christianity

I’m not a coffee guy.  Yeah, I know — some people will find this deeply concerning.

All that Frappuccino-mocha-latte lingo sounds enticing, but no matter how hard I’ve tried, I just can’t relate.

As an outsider in java-land, the quirks of the coffee-driven crowd are fascinating to watch.  I’ve seen clumsy morning hands fumbling with filters, and heard “Where’s the nearest Starbucks?” from nearly every out-of-towner.  I’ve been on road trips with friends who needed their favorite brew by a certain time lest they suffer irreversible consequences... like Cinderella racing home before the clock strikes twelve.

My coffee-drinking friends would love it if I’d join their ranks.  But there’s one thing I can say for sure: I’ve never wanted to become a coffee drinker by watching coffee drinkers.

Sometimes I wonder if unbelievers see Christians the same way.  Maybe they see Christianity like I see coffee:  baffling, controlling, and full of unfamiliar language on a Grande scale.  Maybe walking into a church leaves them feeling like I do in a Starbucks: disconnected, out of place, and wondering what all the fuss is about.

Colossians 4:5–6 reminds us, "Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive..."

Our lives should make people curious about Christ, not confused by Christianity. Today, consider what others are learning by watching you.


- Ron Reid