And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Though I would like to claim the creative rights to this title, I owe it to a Facebook quote of a man simply called Michael Junior. I know exactly nothing beyond this quote about the gentleman, so do not take this as any kind of endorsement, beyond the quote in view. That said, the point of the analogy used by Mr. Michael Junior illustrates the point Paul made in the passage above quite well. The analogy says that, when you’re put in hot water (obviously used of distress-TH) you will inevitably become like one of the three items named. The egg becomes hardened through and through when left in hot water. The carrot becomes soft when enduring to the same. But the coffee bean is unique in this situation. When the coffee bean is subjected to hot water, it changes its environment.
The point of the analogy is for each of us to ask ourselves which one we become when we are thrust into “hot water” in our lives. Neither of the first two options is acceptable for the Christian because each will thwart some part of our duties to the Christ we serve. If we allow difficulties to harden us, our love for God and humanity turns cold, and we will fail to serve Him faithfully (cf. Matthew 22:34-39; Galatians 6:9-10; Ephesians 4:15b; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Hebrews 3:7-9; Revelation 2:4-5). On the other hand, if we allow pressures from our surroundings to turn us soft, we will lack the fortitude to stand up to evil when it becomes necessary for us to do so (Matthew 7:15-20; 10:26-39; Acts 4-5; 7-9; 12; 15; 17; 19; 21-28; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 2:11-14; Ephesians 4:15a; 5:3-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 1 Peter 3:13-17; Revelation 2:8-11).
Though it can be difficult to know how hard or soft to be in any given situation, we are commanded to discern just that in order that we may exact the needed changes in the environment surrounding us (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9-15). For sure, we will fail along the way, but so long as we never give up on the fight, He assures us that He will deliver us safely into eternity (Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Peter 1:5-11; 1 John 1:5-2:2; Revelation 2:10).
So, in light of the certainty of “hot water” to come in your life and mine, will we be an egg, a carrot, or a coffee bean? Paul set forth a powerful template for this process in his final known letter. As he sat in the “hot water” of facing his impending death, he wanted to be sure Timothy would neither harden nor soften to the point of failure. Paul said, in light of the knowledge that Jesus ultimately abolished death (2 Timothy 1:8-10), “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12). He changed his environment, but his environment never changed him. We have the same hope. Will we respond the same way?