“Live as free men, but do
not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” - 1 Peter 2:16
The needs of each person’s soul differ, but we all love to play. Fortunately, God abundantly gives us all good things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). There is a debate, however, between the ideologies of decency and decadence. Some believe there is no freedom in the face of morality. I contend that true freedom only comes within the safe parameters of these ethical boundaries. Otherwise, the mob rules and we all know that leads to chaos. Jesus agreed. He told us that we are slaves to sin, and reminded us that only the Son sets us free (John 8:34-37).
Sin makes us subservient to itself and there is no freedom in slavery. Fleshly indulgences are only enjoyable for a time. The dividends of depravity come in the form of ill health, addictions, unmanageable circumstances, jail terms, broken relationships, poverty and eventually death without peace (Luke 21:34). Paul gives wise counsel on how to live in Eph 5:15-19 NIV, “Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
The world tells us to ignore
our conscience and to give in to the secular reasoning that “If it feels good,
do it!” Who judges right from wrong if the Bible is not our standard? Society
leaves it up to individuals, most of whom have trouble discerning truth in any
form. Experience
proves that a pursuit of money, immorality, fame, drugs, alcohol, relationships,
looks and success only brings us temporary joy. In attaining these “prizes” we
face a hollow victory. We immediately grow dissatisfied and want something
more. The graveyards are full of people who died unhappily, even though they
had one or more of these supposed guarantees to a happy life.
I see no need to fear moral
restrictions. There is an unlimited amount of wholesome activities for
spiritual people to enjoy, such as: learning something new, reading a book,
taking a leisurely nap, canoeing the river, popping corn and watching movies, gathering
with friends, sports, enjoying nature and developing new hobbies, to name just
a few. We do not need to live a life of sin in order to
enjoy life.
Prayer:
Lord
Jesus, I am learning that there is no true happiness apart from You. I only experience completion in my life through my
relationship with You. This is more fulfilling than any human relationship I
ever enjoyed. Because You live within me, You are closer to me than any other
bond. Jesus, thank You for coming to give us abundant life, which is filled to
overflowing (John 10:10, Amplified Bible). Thought for the Day:
How totally pointless the pursuit of self-indulgence appears after we attain it, and what a bitter taste of repulsion it leaves in our empty soul.
