July 25

If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,
   lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
Proverbs 25:16 ESV

A few days ago I was listening to a talk given by Ravi Zacharias:  "The Problem of Pleasure." Zacharias noted we have a theology of evil, of good, of so many things, but we the Church seems to be silent on pleasure. Crediting F.W. Boreham, Zacharias noted three principles of pleasure that must be observed. I found them incredibly helpful and clear.
1. Pleasure must not distract from our life's goal. We belong to Christ and if our pleasure distracts our attention from Him, it is for us sin.
2. Pleasure indulged in excess quickly becomes sickening. Look at the text from Proverbs. How easily we have too much of food, or too much alcohol, too many items of clothing, too much time on our hands so that we don't know what to do, or too much sweetness which becomes cloying to us and can turn the stomach.
3. Pleasure must not detract from the sanctity of others. If my pleasure violates or harms another, it is sin..

As I reflected on these I realize true pleasure, therefore is found in Christ. He is our goal, He is our focus. True pleasure is found in training in wisdom, knowledge and righteousness--this is the work of the Spirit, restoring in us the image of God. As an athlete will count calories and carefully weigh out sweets so we too in our marathon of life enjoy pleasures in their place and right quantities. Finally, our personal pleasures must honour the family and community in which God has placed us. We strive to honour life, for people bear the image of our Maker and therefore are worthy of respect.

You, O God, have caused the boundary lines to fall for me in pleasant places. In every part of my life may Christ be the goal and highest joy and His Spirit direct my steps so that I contribute to the blessing of true community. May the joy of the LORD be my strength and the salvation of God my song and may this anthem of praise encourage others to join in the growing chorus of praise. In my life, LORD--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--be glorified. Amen.