What’s In Your Morning Coffee?

A simple cup of coffee becomes a powerful lesson about guarding your heart and mind, based on Philippians 4:8.

We are big coffee drinkers in my home! Even my children and their spouses love coffee. When they were little, they were allowed an occasional sip of coffee with lots 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 children reached the age where they wanted to watch certain 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 very own cup of coffee, decaf, of course. They were thrilled. There was just one condition. They had to help make it.

That made the whole idea even better. They felt so grown up.

They carefully chose their mugs, placemats, and napkins and set the table. Standing on stools, 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 in the machine, but they were so proud of their work.

And of course, they both insisted on pushing the start button.

“Wait just a minute,” I said. “There’s one more thing to add.”

A Cup Of Coffee Like No Other

I reached for a paper bag.

“Mommy, are we having cinnamon in our coffee today?” my little seven-year-old asked with excitement. “I love cinnamon in coffee!” “Not today,” I said.

Then, one by one, I added the contents of the bag into the filter. An eggshell. A chicken bone. A lemon peel. Some dog kibble. And, to their complete horror, a used tissue.

I will never forget their faces. Shock quickly turned into loud protests. Ewwww. No. Yuck.

I kept a pleasant expression and let the coffee brew. Then I poured each of them a full cup, ignoring their very strong objections.

“Well,” I said cheerfully, “drink up.” “No!” they said together.

I asked why.

They told me they would not drink the coffee because of all the yucky things I had put into it. “But there’s a filter,” I reminded them. “It will catch the big pieces. Go ahead. Today is coffee day.”

That’s when we sat down and talked about what really matters.

A Philippians Life Lesson

I shared with them this Scripture:

FINALLY, BRETHREN, WHATEVER IS TRUE, WHATEVER IS HONORABLE, WHATEVER IS RIGHT, WHATEVER IS PURE, WHATEVER IS LOVELY, WHATEVER IS OF GOOD REPUTE, IF THERE IS ANYTHING EXCELLENT, IF THERE IS ANYTHING WORTHY THINK ON THESE THINGS. Phil 4:8

We talked about how, as they grew, there would be things others might invite them to watch or do that were not good or pleasing to God. Some of those things might not seem like a big deal at first. But just like that coffee, once something is added, its flavor remains. A filter might remove what is obvious, but it cannot take away what has already changed the taste.

In the same way, even small things that are not good for the heart and mind can affect thoughts, attitudes, and choices. Just like the “garbage” coffee could make them sick, the wrong influences can harm both physically and spiritually.

We ended that lesson sitting together, this time with a fresh cup of coffee, filled with good things, milk, sugar, and a little cinnamon. It was a sweet moment, and one I have never forgotten.

And it is still true today.

No matter age or stage of life, what is allowed into the heart and mind matters. Even small compromises can change more than expected.

So the next time you pour a cup of coffee, let it be a gentle reminder to guard what you take in and focus on what is good.

Scripture To Ponder On This Week

FINALLY, BRETHREN, WHATEVER IS TRUE, WHATEVER IS HONORABLE, WHATEVER IS RIGHT, WHATEVER IS PURE, WHATEVER IS LOVELY, WHATEVER IS OF GOOD REPUTE, IF THERE IS ANYTHING EXCELLENT, IF THERE IS ANYTHING WORTHY THINK ON THESE THINGS. Phil 4:8

Happy Sunday, friends,