Introductory Thoughts
Many of those who find joy in pleasure are eventually overcome by seeking out further pleasures. Eventually, they find themselves carelessly given to the seeking of those pleasures. Though the warning given in Isaiah chapter 47 was directed to the “virgin daughter of Babylon” (Isaiah 47:1), the principle applies to everyone. A man given to pleasure often dwells carelessly until he is consumed with self. He lives as though life is a game, void of future trials, difficulties, and judgments. This is sometimes done because he does not truly give thought to future things. For others, it happens in order to avoid thinking about future things. Nevertheless, each decision is based upon how much happiness it brings, rather than how it affects others or his future. The reality is that pleasure cannot stop the outcomes that a person wishes to avoid.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Instead of helping others, the rich fool took care of himself and only focused upon how happy he was going to live. God reminded him of his real future (Luke 12:16-21).
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(For everyone): To be given to something is to be under its control. How can the desire for pleasure eventually control an individual? How does this often lead to greater dangers?
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Are you given to any particular pleasure? Does anything worldly control your money and consume your thoughts? Does it in any way hinder your ability to serve the Lord?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to protect you from the control of pleasure.
- Ask God to help your first desire to be to please Him.
Song
TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
