Pursuing Pleasure

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Focus Verse:  Psalm 16:11 "You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

We can read in God's Word about signs that the coming of Jesus is soon.  One of those signs is that people will pursue pleasure more than God.  People are looking for an escape from the real world.  They are trying to escape their problems with alcohol, immoral sex, their jobs, or gaining much education.  1 Timothy 5:6 says, "She who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives."  When pleasure is placed above God it is wrong.  When it takes the place of taking care of our responsibilities it is wrong.  But God doesn't condemn all our pursuits of pleasure.  God even promises us pleasure when we walk with Him. 

When we pursue the pleasure the world gives, it doesn't satisfy.  It might only bring a temporary happiness but also emptiness.  Jesus put it so well  in Luke 9:23 when He said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."  We are to deny what our flesh desires, and set our hearts on following and obeying Christ.  Then we will find the pleasure that God has us pursuing.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries