“Two Cookies”

     I’m a two-cookie man. By this, I simply mean that somewhere in my psyche, I strongly believe that if one cookie tastes good, two will more than double the pleasure (especially if they’re chocolate chip). Furthermore, I normally act on my conviction.

    I nevertheless also believe in a greater truth that seems contradictory to my two cookie perspective.  That is, if I have two cookies, but have the opportunity to share one with someone else, the one cookie left will be far more pleasing than if I had eaten both.  This, of course, does not begin anywhere in my psyche, but rather in the heart and mind of God.

     “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts20:35).

    When given the opportunity for self-sacrificial acts, whatever the nature, our natural inclination fosters hesitation and resistance. “Two cookies are best!” screams our flesh.  “You’re hungry, and the pleasure will last longer if you eat both!” 

    The Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, however, whisper by the still, small voice of God that the fulfillment of our heart lies in the blessedness of blessing others.  Moreover, our Lord acts supernaturally within us when we “walk, even as He walked” (I John 2:6).  One cookie thus becomes far more satisfying as God enhances, as it were, both its flavor and sustenance as the joy of self-sacrifice accompanies our partaking.

    The Lord would apply this principle to everything in our lives.  Love, God’s love, known and expressed in us, provides a filled and fulfilled heart.  Whenever the choice lies before us to please our flesh, or to bless others, the way of joy beckons us along its path of giving.  Two cookies?  If I’m by myself, fine.  But if you’re with me, I’ll have one and you have the other.   Unless of course, you’re on a diet, and then…

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”(Luke 6:38)