36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? – Mark 8:36
What gives you the most pleasure? If we are being honest, most of it would center around here stuff. Relationships, food, recognition, entertainment, all good distractions meant for our enjoyment. I often look at our teens and dissect their world view. It is interesting to see what they assign value to and what ultimately gives them the most pleasure. While many would answer around technology (cell phones, tablets, video games), I believe these are only a substitute for what they really want – connection. Connection with God and connection with others. In Genesis, it talks about how God breathed into man and this was what created him. His breath is essentially our soul. In order for our soul to be at peace, we then need a never ending connection to our Lord which also manifests itself in those around us. This is to be our great pleasure. All else in this world only supports or substitutes for this.
Following Christ should be fun. I fear we package it as work when it is merely meant to bring us back to a peace before sin. Anytime our faith becomes duty, we lose the child-like faith needed to enjoy our creator. When we chase after our own pleasure, we miss out on the upside down call of Christ, which ironically is the only thing that restores our soul to it’s correct orientation. Perhaps the reason Jesus warns us of pursuing gain of the entire world, is because He knows it still won’t be enough. Our earthly pleasure is never settled. We eat, we rest, we eat again. We love, we break up, only to love again. Of this cycle there is no end. It is in this constant race for gain we lose heart and hope while forfeiting our soul. The question is, what are we chasing? Are we settling for here when we should be fixing our eyes on the there of heaven?
Lord, may our souls find rest in this race for more. May we downsize and humble ourselves in pursuit of you. Be our great pleasure in this world and the next.
Matt simon blog 