“But, I like the cookie…”
Recently, in the prison, I shared an observation from the cartoon-movie “Over the Hedge” with Bruce Willis. One scene showed our heroes, the forest animals, humorously beginning to execute a plan to turn off the backyard motion detectors and alarms so they could raid a human’s house and steal food.
RJ, the mastermind behind the plan, sends Hammy the Squirrel on his mission — a tightrope walk across a fishing line from a tree to the house. Once on the rooftop, Hammy continues on his mission, but immediately he is distracted by a cookie that was previously tossed away. RJ sees the mission is in jeopardy. He yells, “No, Hammy, not the cookie. I told you that cookie was junk!” Hammy stops and whimpers, “But I like the cookie.” RJ then quickly digs into his tool bag and pulls out a red laser light. He uses it to regain Hammy’s attention and guide him through the completion of his mission — disabling the alarm.
All of us could relate to “distractions.” One glaring example we agreed on was bad relationships. As we reflected, we could see clearly the drain on our time and emotions, let alone the negative impact on God’s timing. In hindsight, we could ask ourselves, “Why did I get into that relationship? How?” Maybe, I was feeling alone. Maybe, I just wanted attention. Maybe, I just wanted someone to love me. Maybe, I just didn’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings. Regardless, I’m certain that somewhere along the line God was speaking and warning us, “No, no, no! That’s not good for you right now! Put the cookie down.” And our drama-queen response too often is tears welling up in our eyes and whimpering to God, “But, I like the cookie.”
Like Hammy, we — the sons and daughters of God — are on a mission from our King. (2Tim 4:5 & 2Cor 5:18) However, who among us cannot relate to getting off-track through various distractions that ultimately hindered our mission? These distractions can come in many forms — relationships (ungodly or untimely), addictions or bad habits, material things, money, work, ministry, ungodly beliefs, comfort zones, depression, boredom, routines, etc. The result? Much wasted time, energy, and resources. Understand that these distractions actually compete with God’s will/mission for our lives.
But there’s hope! We can take comfort in knowing that God has said in His Word, “Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.” (1Cor 10:13 GNB)
It’s so easy for me to say, “But, I like the cookie,” and pursue my will and not His. But, faith in Christ and maturity compels me to trust God and to let go of the cookie. I continue to learn that He has my best interests at heart, that He is faithful, and that what He gives me is always better than anything I could have chosen on my own. So, let’s, “Drop the cookie.”