PLEASURE KILLS
Posted by Jud Wilhite:
G. K. Chesterton once said, “Despair does not lie in being weary of suffering, but in being weary of joy.” If he were writing this today he’d likely replace the word “joy” with the term “pleasure” to reflect his meaning in the current use of the terms—“Despair does not lie in being weary of suffering, but in being weary of pleasure.”
He’s saying that feelings of meaninglessness and boredom come when we realize that all the pleasures of the world, all the material comforts, cannot ultimately fill our soul. Pleasure can be great, but too much derived from the wrong things kill.
In our culture, I can’t be reminded of this enough.
What are some things you do that fill your soul spiritually and give you greater meaning and real joy?
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Going for a run or walk. (Or anything outdoors) Especially now, with Winter Madness running high, sunlight and being alone with God outdoors is a huge spirit uplifter.
It's hard to do this now, but I love to take my devotions mobile like to a park or just in my backyard. It's keeps things different enough to keep it interesting.
It's interesting that Paul wrote that he had suffered because he was an apostle, and that he “counted it all joy” to suffer for Christ – in fact, Paul calls for Timothy to “join with me in suffering for the gospel”, and counted his suffering as a sign that he was on the right path – that Jesus was right when he said that his followers would be hated by the world and suffer for his sake. I know a number of people who start to worry if things in their lives are going well – they are comfortable, they have plenty of money in the bank, they're well-known, and have good reputations, they and their families are in good health – and they wonder if they have somehow wandered off the path, because the devil isn't attacking them!
Spend time with people who are not all that lovable, flew to Africa to meet the girl I sponsor and give her a hug…incredible moment, when I've unintentionally taught my boys a lesson in serving and loving, doing something for someone who expected to pay me and then saying keep the money, feeding the hungry, encouraging people, sitting on the shores of the beach just soaking up God
great post jud. it is so key to find pleasure in things that are truly important/valuable. i know i have to constantly check what things are making me happy. for me the simple things can really bring a lot of pleasure like a cherry coke with crushed ice and an afternoon at a baseball game with my family. im simple.
Jud,
I try not to do anything other than trusting Jesus. My proble is I try to do things so that I deserve grace. Of course I don't pay Him, he pays me. http://gracefreakdan.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/p...
In the end, giving away what I've already recieved is joyful
Grace Freak
Dan Rockwell
I play guitar and sing. that fills my soul, and gives me great joy. I lead worship at my church, and I have to stop what I'm doing sometimes and make sure I don't turn it into just another responsibility. it's crazy that something like leading worship could become like any other job, but it can if you're not careful…at least for me
Brett, I too can't wait till it warms up a little more in the mornings. I LOVE Vegas mornings, especially in the late spring/summer/fall. 70+ degrees outside and dead still. Devotions outside does a lot for me as well!
I also like to crank some good music and go for a walk. Worship music mixed in with other stuff. Great for reflection.
Wrestling with my kids can also restore my soul–nothing like hearing your kid laugh uncontrollably to put your mind in a better place.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Take joy in the beauty of nature…like the clouds, sunsets, rain, warmth of the sun on a cold day, dew on plants in the morning, rainbows, children and their innocent nature, birds, butterflies, artistic views of the body, savoring the flavor of good tasting food. I guess it all boils down to being thankful for what God has created, noticing the beauty, and appreciation. Not comparing yourself to people who are better off, but to people who are worse off. When I stray from that, christian music soothes the soul along with church and prayer.
Podcasts can be awesome while walking at sunup or sundown. Throw in a central christian podcast ( good suckup huh? ) and i'm good to go. You may see me walking with tears of joy or tears of confession or laughing with God.
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