Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. (Proverbs 21:17 ESV)
There is a lifestyle that was referring to a manner of life that certain Greeks promoted called the hedonist lifestyle. This philosophy promoted the pursuit of pleasure and was usually pictured as men and women engaging in parties regularly, getting drunk and with very loose sexual morals.
In as much as the Greeks coined the term, the lifestyle itself was something that was prominent in virtually every culture throughout history in some aspect. There were those who made it their point of duty to discover what would give the greatest thrills and indulge in those to excess.
Today is no different, the pursuit of pleasure is big business. Establishments thrive from people persistent pursuit of a good time. The partying scene in different walks of life encourages the investment of life in the feelgood factor fuelled by alcohol, drugs and sex. It doesn’t even have to be that public. Some can just be driven to invest their livelihoods in whatever gives that momentary thrill, that high.
In as much as it can be referred to as a cheap thrill, in actuality the cost can be very expensive. Not just financially.
Why it remains so appealing despite its often devastating cost is because of the allure of happiness. An alternative that can be presented is to see the mask of pleasure seeking for what it is in the light of the extraordinary beauty of the created human being that’s tarnished greatly but such a pursuit.
Choosing to follow wisdom and righteousness is not the pursuit of being a killjoy. On the contrary fullness of true joy is found in the pursuit of what’s wise and what’s right. That’s experienced when the focus is no longer on self-gratification but recognises the true beauty in humanity is the capacity to be a true blessing to others in the fullness of sobriety and health.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J.. Dryden
Life With CD 