But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
2 Timothy 3:1,4b I'm from the counter-culture hippie deal in California where the popular phrase was "If it feels good, do it." That's hedonism, and it comes from the Greek word for pleasure. It's a theory of life that says the highest good in life is the securing of pleasure and the avoidance of pain—not "Is it right?" but "Will it bring pleasure?"

Hebrews 11:25 talks about Moses, who could have become the son of Pharaoh's daughter—instead, he chose "rather to endure ill treatment with the people of God than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin." That was a great, clear statement from Moses and the Holy Spirit that sin is pleasurable. That's the whole danger of the belief that "if it feels good, do it."

Not everything that is stimulating or pleasurable is pleasing to God. But God is not a party-pooper. In His presence there is fullness of joy and at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Jesus says it was His fulfillment to do the will of the Father. That's where we get the real buzz in life (Psalm 16:11; John 4:34).
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." —Jesus (John 15:9-11) God bless you!
Pastor Jeff

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 NKJV Then Jesus explained:
"My nourishment comes from doing the will of God who sent Me, and from finishing His work." Matthew 4:34 TLB


© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.