Big Lessons from that Little Bean.

Since my senior year in high school my affinity toward this little bean has grown tremendously to the point where today, I would consider myself an addict. What began as a small liking for the thing has grown to a strong dependency and it seems that towards the end of each quarter the amount of it I consume increases. Coffee, how I love thee.

Starbucks. Coffeebean. Pete's. McDonald's. Gourmet. Crappy. It doesn't matter as long as it vaguely tastes of coffee and so long as it is not decaf I will drink it.

Elyse and I were talking about our addictions today and our love for the small, smooth, roasted little bean. When we wake up in the morning we look forward to that first cup of the day. At night, before I go to bed, I mentally plan how my morning will go allotting time to perk a pot. Wake up. Pee. Wash hands. Brush teeth. While brushing teeth start coffee. Finish brushing. Wash face. etc. etc. Or if I want to sleep in, I always have some instant on hand.

My addiction is pretty bad. If I don't have at least a cup in the morning I am pretty tired and fatigued. Not only that, the worst part is the headaches I get if I don't drink any. They start small like little shadows right behind my eye sockets but slowly the pain spreads until the only refuge I can find is in sleep and a few capsules of Advil.

Elyse's and my addiction is bad. And sad (though mine is worse than hers). But what makes it even worse is when our addiction and love for that little bean is compared to our love for God and His Word. I long for that hot steamy cup in the mornings and I eagerly anticipate it as I brush my teeth. But reading the Word--that's easy for me to push back to do later in the day. If I skip my necessary cup of joe I get headaches, but if I forgo reading the Word or meditating on Scripture or praying my soul still rests at ease.

What is wrong with me? How is it that the affections of my taste buds are stronger than the affections of my heart?

How is it that I can so easily replace the Giver with the gift? How can I love coffee more than God? Shameful. How I loathe my idolatrous heart! But God is ever gracious and now every time I look at my coffee mug or travel mug or paper cup I'm forced to examine my heart. Sadly, so far it's still been a struggle. I still feel like I love coffee more than I love God. I feel like I love everything more than God. O that I would love God and treasure His Word.

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;

The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

The judgements of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.

They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;

In keeping them there is great reward.

Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.

Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;

Let them not rule over me;

Then I will be blameless,

And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight

O LORD my rock and my Redeemer.

-Psalm 19