Joy is not just the spin-off of obedience to God, but part of obedience. It seems as though people are willing to let joy be a byproduct of our relationship to God, but not an essential part of it. People are uncomfortable saying that we are duty-bound to pursue joy. They say things like, 'Don't pursue joy, pursue obedience.' But Christian Hedonism responds, 'That's like saying, ';Don't eat apples; eat fruit.'' Because joy is an act of obedience. We are commanded to rejoice in God. If obedience is doing what God commands, then joy is not merely the spin-off of obedience, it is obedience. The Bible tells us over and over to pursue our joy (Psm. 32:11; 37:4; 67:4; Lk. 10:20; Phil. 4:4).

John Piper

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Eggs, Grains			1	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2	c	Flour
1	ts	Cinnamon
1/2	ts	Baking soda
1/2	ts	Salt
1 3/4	c	Uncooked oatmeal
1/2	c	Shortening-melted
1/2	c	Butter-melted
1		Egg slightly beaten
1	tb	Molasses
1	c	Raisins
1	c	Chopped walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS

Stir togeather flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir in remaingng
ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheep and bake at 350
degrees until edges are brown. (about 12 min.)
Posted to EAT-L Digest 02 Dec 96
From:    Alisa Bassett <abassett@NCCVAX.WVNET.EDU>
Date:    Tue, 3 Dec 1996 20:00:44 -0500

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