While cleaning out our cupboard last week, I came across a container of decaffeinated coffee—popularly called “decaf.” People drink coffee for at least two reasons: to enjoy its unique flavor and to benefit from one of its main components—the stimulant caffeine. Many claim they cannot start their day without the “jolt” of their morning cup of coffee. It energizes them, making them ready to take action and accomplish the day’s tasks.
Then there are those who do like the flavor but are not too excited about caffeine. The effect of the stimulant is not a pleasant experience for them. Oftentimes the concern is that the stimulant will interfere
with their sleep and times of relaxing. And so, people came up with processes to remove most of the caffeine from coffee. The end product is decaf. Now people get to enjoy the flavor of coffee without the “energizing” effects of caffeine.
I’m not about to champion one preference over the other. But I do see a parable of sorts. My response to Christ and his Word may be likened to my coffee preference.
Finding pleasure in the taste of coffee may parallel having a keen interest in the Word—such that I read it, study it, discuss it, even memorize it. I take the time to savor the truths of Scripture. And I may feel good about the knowledge that I gain. Then I can share what I learn, passing on the truth to others.
As God’s people, we are invited and urged to grow in knowledge, and to pass on what is learned. “These words I am commanding you today must be kept in mind, and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up” (Deuteronomy 6.6–7 NET).
But, of course, it is not enough for me to merely have a firm intellectual grasp of the Word and talk about it. The activity of Bible study has no real value if I do not let the Word exercise its power in my life, enabling me not just to know but to obey and put into practice what I learn. When God speaks, he does not do so simply to inform me but to transform me and empower me to take action and accomplish the tasks of genuine discipleship and faithful service. The picture of the “energizing effect” of caffeine in a person’s body provides an illustration of this. God never serves decaffeinated Word. If I truly receive the Word, it will interfere with my tendency to be spiritually sluggish. May I always let the Word prepare and equip me to do every good work (2 Timothy 3.17 NLT).
—Keith Y. Jainga