Often, pleasure is a good thing. It’s not bad for us to enjoy little pleasures in our lives here on earth — days at the lake with family, a delicious slice of cheesecake, or playing fetch with our dog. Pleasure can bring us a break from the pressures we have. They can give us a much needed breather and help us to slow down and readjust our attitudes.

But if we put these pleasures above everything else, and specifically above spending time with God, they become a problem. Chasing the things of this world is a bad idea because they will eventually fade away. A life filled with worldly pleasures and unnecessary, expensive luxuries will ultimately bring only sadness, ruin, and poverty. Only Jesus is forever.

Some people might assume that, since God wants us to enjoy life, we should focus on doing just that. Such thinking may provide a convenient loophole for slacking off work. But working hard is a way to glorify God. If we spend all of our time seeking pleasure instead of working hard, can we truly expect God to provide for us?

God has given us talents to accomplish His will, and doing them can be a greater source of pleasure than lounging around soaking in life. Who hasn’t felt satisfaction as they dusted off their hands at the end of a task, knowing they did their best? Can you imagine how satisfying it will be to hear your Father in Heaven say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:14-30)?

Lord, help me to never put a love of pleasure above my love of You. Thank You for all the blessings you have given me to enjoy, but help me to work hard and to not be addicted to the pursuit of pleasure. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Go Deeper — Take a good look at your life and see if there are any unnecessary luxuries or pleasures that are “making you poor” spiritually and hindering your walk with God. If so, cut them out.



Tags: Pleasure Proverbs 21
Photo Credit: Mi Pham