We live in a world that is focused on entertainment and pleasure. Most of the highest paid people in America are sports stars, and movie/television actors. High values are placed on possessions and status. One has only to drive around Atlanta (or any major city) and look at all of the HUGE luxurious homes with 3 and 4 car garages. We go to church even and walk into multi-million dollar cathedrals and church buildings with the latest in audio/video and more entertainment with the name “Christian” added to it. With all of this surrounding us on a daily basis, it’s almost difficult for us to read “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” which the Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2.
Yes…I know there is nothing wrong with having nice things and enjoying life, but on the other hand I wonder “Is there?” There are countless millions of people in this world around us and even in our own families and work places who are dying and going to hell while we sit and walk beside them having the one thing that will change their life forever – a GENUINE relationship with Jesus Christ. Most of the time, people look at the lives of those who claim to be Christians and say, “Why? I don’t see any difference.”
Our life should be SO different from others that people either hate us for making them look bad, or else they question “How can I know this Jesus?” When the truth is fully told, all that we should consume our lives with is KNOWING GOD and MAKING HIM KNOWN to others by the life that we live and the words that we say. When we’re faced with choices in today’s world about what entertainments and pleasures to partake of, we need to stop saying “There’s nothing wrong with this…” and start looking at it from the perspective of “How does this draw me closer to GOD?”
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” Just because the Bible doesn’t condemn something or forbid the partaking of it, doesn’t mean it’s in our best interest to participate.
James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” The closer we get to GOD the less appetizing this world will become and the brighter we will shine in this world of DARKNESS. Are we more interested in living the “Good Life” or are we more interested in helping others come to KNOW JESUS CHRIST?
What do you base the choices you make upon? Pleasing yourself or Pleasing GOD?