My husband’s favorite treat is no bake cookies. As a youth minister, summer is really his go-time and he travels more than he usual does. Whenever he comes home, the girls and I like to have a special treat ready for him. Hearing how much they miss him and how excited they are for him to come home will never get old.
Anyways, as I measured out the cocoa powder and vanilla, I thought about what posers they are! I mean, come on, vanilla smells SOOO good. And cocoa powder? Who doesn’t love chocolate?!
I made the mistake many years ago of “taste testing” these ingredients…once…and never again!
I was reading from Ephesians chapter 6 the other day and was struck by verses 2-3. “Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
What’s the promise? SO THAT you may live a good and happy life.
Just like a parent, God doesn’t always give reasons for his commands. But this time, He does.
In other passages, God commands to keep away from things that might cause us harm. Don’t take that…SO THAT you won’t cause yourself a bigger problem. Don’t drink that…SO THAT you can stay clear-headed. Don’t pursue that relationship…SO THAT you don’t get hurt.
We do this as parents too. Don’t run out in the street…SO THAT you don’t get hit by a car. Don’t get too close to the stove…SO THAT you don’t burn yourself. Don’t climb on that…SO THAT you don’t fall.
God doesn’t give us commands to keep us from something good. He never withholds what is good. Much of what He tells us is to protect us, and *for* our good.
He’s trying to save us from the disappointment, the pain…the bad cocoa powder aftertaste.