I like coffee. You’d probably guess that right away if you ever come into my kitchen. There’s a Keurig coffeemaker for when I want just a quick cup of hot coffee. There’s a Bunn coffeemaker that is ready to go for that morning pot of hot coffee I share with Bob. And now there is a Cold Brew coffeemaker. I’ve found I like the cold brewed coffee for my afternoon cup, the brewing eliminates much of the acid and the coffee is smooth and rich. Up to now I’ve been buying a cold brewed coffee at either Starbucks or Dutch Bros. The cost, however, is prohibitive, so I’m limited to one or two cups a week. I bought a cold brewed coffeemaker $10!
I like my coffee, bold and strong. I like certain blends of coffee. And yes, one of my favorite coffees comes from Starbucks. Why am I telling you all this … apparently Starbucks is in hot water (again) for the actions of one of its employees. At a Starbucks in Arizona, six police officers on July 4 were asked to leave because they made a customer feel uncomfortable. When someone posted in social media about the incident, with a “dump Starbucks” graphic, it went viral. Soon the company was apologizing and once again, moving to re-train its employees.
I’m not going to say anything about Starbucks as an organization. I just want to note today that in our culture it only takes one person’s actions to put a company’s reputation at risk. It’s going to take a lot of energy and work for Starbucks to gain back a good name among first responders in Arizona, all because of the actions of one individual.
Have you ever thought about how quickly our actions—or inaction—can damage the reputation of our faith? Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” [Eph 4:1]
As Believers in Christ Jesus, we must be so careful that we live worthy of Him. We must never do anything that would dishonor the Wonderful Name of Jesus, our LORD and Savior.
