“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.”
Anyone who loves coffee knows that there has been a centuries-long debate about the best way to brew it.
Many coffee-drinkers are perfectly content with using a Mr. Coffee machine or a Keurig to quickly prep their morning brew. Others believe that intentionality is key, and the best way to brew is with a French press or a filterless glass pour-over system. A lot of folks in Europe believe that espresso shots are the way to go, while American coffee drinkers like to enjoy a prolonged multi-sip experience every morning (hence the invention of the Americano espresso drink while American soldiers were stationed in Italy during World War II).
Perhaps even more controversial is the debate about whether or not to put additives such as cream or sugar into coffee (or how much is acceptable). I personally enjoy my coffee black but will add a small bit of cream every once in a while if I’m feeling a little bold. This act could be considered anathema by some. And don’t even get some of us started on so-called abominations like coconut milk lattes or (ugh) frappuccinos!
After years of coffee-drinking and debates, I finally decided to take a pilgrimage to Hawaii and seek guidance from a credible expert on the subject. Hawaii is the only state of our union with enough rain, humidity, and rich soil to grow coffee beans, so naturally the people in our nation most knowledgeable about coffee will reside there.
While on the island of Kauai, my wife and I decided to take a quick tour of the Kauai Coffee Estate, the largest coffee farm in the United States. I was elated to hear that our tour guide previously lived in Seattle, the birthplace of Starbucks, so she just had to have the best knowledge about coffee. Finally, I was going to get some answers!
After a detailed explanation of all of the ways to brew coffee (percolator, cold brew, Keurig, etc.) our tour guide finally discerned the answer for us: the best way to brew coffee is… the way you like to brew it.
WHAT?!? There is no single best way to brew coffee? How could she brush aside centuries of verbal warfare so simply? I was both amazed and aghast! That is, until I remembered what Paul taught the Corinthians about Spiritual Gifts (which you may remember from Pastor Micah’s recent message about the church and our gifts).
Similar to the coffee debate, there has been much dialogue in the Church over the use of our gifts given by the Holy Spirit and which gifts are best, but the Apostle Paul puts all debates to rest with a simple comment. To paraphrase 1 Corinthians 12:4-6: “If a gift is from the Spirit, then it’s good.”
Our gifts are meant to aid us in serving God. If we are serving God, then we are using our gifts properly, and however we do so is good to God. To God there is no “best” way, so for God’s people there is no reason to boast in our abilities but reason to encourage each person’s unique contributions.
Even though I was initially taken aback by our tour guide’s conclusion, I left that estate on Kauai with a new appreciation for the diverse ways to enjoy coffee. Don’t let the people around you put you to shame for the way you enjoy coffee, nor for the way you serve God. If done with the correct spirit, it is good.
Click here to take a free Spiritual Gifts survey as a jumping-off point to see how your unique abilities can help show Christ to others. (After taking the test, make sure you take personal inventory and ask those close to you to see how God is moving through you.)
Are you looking for ways to serve, give, or connect with FCC? Click here to check out serving opportunities in our community, or click here to see the different connection ministries FCC offers.
-Travis Morrill
Communications and Facilities Administrator at Friends Community Church