What about Fun?: Consider Jesus
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God." 1 Timothy 3:1-4 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Notice the last phrase of today's scripture. Included in this list of many terrible things that will happen in the last days is that people will love pleasure rather than God. Looking around us, it doesn't take long to see people looking at success, popularity, and good times as their source of happiness and well-being. People loving pleasure instead of God.
We each need to examine our own life. Perhaps our pursuits of pleasure involve wholesome, positive activity, but that activity is taking control of our life. The time it takes is interfering with our family time or our times alone with God. Or perhaps the activity or relationship that gives us pleasure isn't so wholesome or positive. And it's building a wedge between us and our Lord. Between us and others we care about.
Consider this …
When the pursuit of pleasure is taking control of our lives, it's time to step back and consider what is important to us. To consider Jesus and his desire for us. To consider his love for us.
Jesus came so we could enjoy life—abundantly. But that will only happen when we follow him and put him first in our life.
I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely] and will find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:9-10 AMP
Prayer
Father, forgive me for this thing in my life that has gotten out of control. I thought it would bring me pleasure, but I would rather have the abundant life that comes from trusting you.
In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from … Where is the Image of God in You? by Brad Rymer. The purpose of this study is for us to see how some of the different character traits we have can be used in constructive rather than destructive ways in our lives and relationships so that we are operating more and more in the image of God according to the way He created us. Also, this study can help us better understand others as we build godly relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
