Did you know there is a drive-through coffee store in Fremont with bikini baristas? (No, I have not been there!) This entrepreneurial innovation which began in Seattle has now come to California.
In our increasingly sensual culture, how should we respond as we see these things happening? Is your first thought to start a petition to ban all such establishments from your city? Or is it about these poor girls who are marketing their bodies to sell coffee? When the Pharisees wanted Jesus to stone the woman caught in adultery, Jesus didn’t line up with public outrage, but with personal compassion. Or when everyone else rejected the outcast woman who came to the well alone, Jesus offered forgiveness and compassion.
Paul said: “Don't you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?” (Rom. 2:4 NLT) Paul entreats us to put on a heart of compassion, kindness and forbearance (Col. 3:12). Assuredly, we will be challenged to find ways to express the compassion of Jesus while remaining "salty" in a sinful world. But maybe this is the way to change our society. By influencing people through love and kindness—thus changing the world, one person at a time. [Note: next Saturday, my wife and daughter are participating in an AIDS walkathon sponsored by Westgate Church. Now there's a creative way to show the compassion of Jesus.]
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