The Conscientious Coffee Shop: A Tale of Respect and Adaptation

In a bustling city, Jonathan, a middle-aged man, ran a successful coffee shop that was a hub for the community. He was known for his kindness and the welcoming atmosphere of his establishment, which became a second home for many of his regular customers.

One day, the city council introduced a new regulation requiring all cafes to close by 10 PM to reduce noise in the neighborhood. Some local business owners were outraged and planned a protest, urging Jonathan to join. They felt the new rule was unfair and would hurt their revenue.

Jonathan thought about the scripture from Romans 13, which he had read just the morning before the new rule was announced. The passage spoke about submitting to governing authorities and acting with love towards others as a fulfillment of God’s law. Jonathan reflected on the importance of being a responsible citizen and showing respect for the authorities that God had allowed to be in place.

Instead of joining the protest, Jonathan decided to adapt his business model. He organized community meetings with the local authorities to express their concerns while showing respect and honor towards their position. He also adjusted his shop hours, promoting it as a morning and afternoon retreat, which unexpectedly attracted a new wave of customers, including those who preferred quieter afternoons for their meetings and work sessions.

In his personal life, Jonathan also took the message to heart by being diligent with his financial responsibilities, including taxes, and striving to deal justly with everyone, from his customers to his employees.

The story of Jonathan serves as a reminder that submission to authority and living by the biblical principles of love and respect can lead to positive outcomes and can be a testament to one’s faith in practice. By seeking constructive ways to adapt to changes and uphold one’s conscience, one can find peace and prosperity, both in business and life.

Submission to Governing Authorities Romans 13

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love Fulfills the Law

⁸ Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. ⁹ The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,  and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. ¹⁰ Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

The Day Is Near

¹¹ And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Follow-up Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

In Your Sovereignty, You hold the universe in Your hands, and Your wisdom far surpasses our understanding. In these times of political unrest and national division, I come before You seeking the grace to walk in obedience to Your will.

Lord, You are the Author of peace, not confusion, and in the midst of turmoil, I ask for the strength to be an instrument of Your peace. Grant me the faith to see beyond the present chaos, to trust in Your unchanging nature and Your ultimate plan for our nation and our world.

As I fast and draw nearer to You, let this act of surrender open my heart to Your guidance and Your priorities. In the quietness of this fast, I seek to hear Your voice above all others, to be reminded of Your promises, and to gain a clearer vision of Your path for me.

In prayer, I lay down my anxieties and fears, my opinions, and my prejudices. Mold my spirit to be aligned with Your heart, O God. Teach me to wait on Your timing, to act not in haste but with Your wisdom and discernment. Help me to remember that Your faithfulness is never failing, even when the future seems uncertain.

Lord, in the waiting, let my hope be anchored in You, for You are the rock that never moves. May my life reflect the humility and patience of Christ, who entrusted Himself to Your perfect will. Let my obedience to Your commands be a testimony to others of the hope that I have in You.

I trust that You are working behind the scenes, knitting together a greater tapestry for good. May Your Sovereignty be the compass that guides our leaders and our people. I pray for unity in our land, that we may come together under Your Lordship, recognizing that we are all Your creation.

In Jesus Name, Amen