The famous motto of the Three Musketeers was, "All for one, and one for all." This motto has been adopted by modern military outfits and sports teams as a proper expression of esprit de corp It has even been used as the name of a popular candy bar to advertise that one is getting three candy bars for the price of one. The Three Musketeers were fictitious members of a special military unit that had the specific mandate to protect the King of France. You might say they were the personal secret service body guards of the King. Their motto expressed the loyalty of each member of the group to the others. They even would put their lives in jeopardy for the welfare of the group or each other. It was an expression of the ultimate dedication to an ideal.
The other day I was shopping for shoes, and I was informed that the store had a special on of two for the price of one. This was a sales promotion to encourage an increase in business by offering an extra pair of shoes if you bought one pair. But I didn't need a second pair, so I asked my wife if I could get a free pair for her. "No way," she said, "I have enough trouble with my feet without some shoes that I've never tried on." So, even though tempted, I didn't take advantage of the offer. This same kind of sales gimmick is used by other businesses to stimulate sales, but it usually involves inferior merchandise and does not mean a sacrifice on the part of the merchant. Many people end up with things they don't need in order to get a good deal. So, a two-for-one deal is not necessarily a good deal.
God has offered us a two-for-one deal that seems almost too good to be true. In fact, it takes a lot of faith to believe it; so much so that most people turn their backs on the offer. We are asked to believe that if we live a God-fearing and righteous life here on earth, that we will be given a second life in heaven, and that it will last forever in eternal bliss. If we are honest and true to our neighbors and trust in God's promises, and if we develop characters that are approved by God and man, then we will be rewarded with another life. We should value this gift above personal glory, power, or popularity. It is not to be ignored.
For many this is too great a sacrifice, the price is too high, and they turn their backs on God's two-for-one deal. Consequently the great majority will lose out. "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matt. 7:14, NKJV). The two-for-one deal that a loving God offers is the best one of a lifetime. The tragedy is that most people are unwilling to make the sacrifice to qualify. A fulfilling life of service here on earth, and the promise of a second eternal life is what is offered in God's "two-for-one."
