A Cup of Joe & a Spot of Tea

Galatians 5:13-14 “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

A decade or two ago, The person at work who was running the inter-office coffee club transferred, and I was asked to pick up the managing of this small operation that provided a cheap cup of “Joe” any time of day for my co-workers. Did you know that Josephus Daniels (1862-1948) was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913. Among his reforms of the Navy was the abolishment of the officers' wine mess. From that time on, the strongest drink aboard Navy ships could only be coffee and over the years, a cup of coffee became known as "a cup of Joe". By providing an inexpensive quality alternative to a pricey cup of “mud” from some place with a popular name, a simple joy is given that makes the daily grind a little better and brighter. Did I mention that June and December are free?

Mark 9:41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Read Matthew 25:31-40

Over the years, I added a variety of teas to the “Break Room” beverage selection and it keeps growing with more blends, and herbs and flavors, caffeinated or not. Now, anyone can enjoy a nice “spot of tea” during the work day, so the environment has a measure of comfort and care … and all on an “honor system”, where the drink items are in the open and paying for them is based completely on the honor, the ethics, the morals, the integrity and the character of the employees. Sure, we have some thieves (notice the sign on the wall in the picture), but the system is there to demonstrate a godly principle that blesses or condemns the conscious and soul in community of love your neighbor and thou shall not steal. A small way to live out our faith and be a witness for Christ in action, simply because bringing joy to others is a joyful activity for the Child of God. What’s your favorite cup of Joe or spot of  tea?  Bring Christ to your world.

John 15:10-12 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”

In Christ, Brian