We are living in a time when the pursuit of pleasure has become the ultimate goal for many. People often seek fleeting moments of so-called happiness, disregarding the sinful means required to achieve it. Consequently, it has become common for many to prioritize feelings of happiness and pleasure as measures of success, leading us to ask: What’s wrong with just feeling good? At first glance, nothing appears amiss. In fact, the culture around us encourages the pursuit of happiness above all else. However, there is a deeper layer to this concept that we need to examine carefully as believers.

Scripture for Reflection

3 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. ² 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. ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

The idea that feeling good is the ultimate objective is a lie that many of us use to justify our actions before we plunge into the depths of sin. We tell ourselves that God could not possibly hate this; after all, it doesn’t hurt anyone, and so we pursue those brief moments of sinful pleasures. We add to this deception by thinking that God would not want us to suffer or struggle to avoid the difficult challenges we face in life. Beloved in Christ, please recognize this as a deceptive trap—a lie fed by the enemy that tells us happiness is the only thing that matters. Ref – Genesis 3:1-6 (The Fall of humanity)

When we chase after fleeting pleasures, we often find ourselves grappling with feelings of sadness, guilt, and shame. Then we wonder, if this wasn’t so bad, why do we feel this way?

Scripture for Reflection

¹⁴ Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. ¹⁵ These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 NLT

Some people ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit and repeat the action until they can finally numb themselves, sinking deeper into sin where it becomes the master of their lives.

Scripture for Reflection

⁸ And when he (The Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

I share this with the hope and prayer that it will open our eyes as believers to the fact that nothing is what it seems at face value. There are always deeper implications to every action we take (every action you take is a seed you are planting and in the end you will reap its harvest). Please note this, it is never just about a few moments of pleasure, but rather about a seed of sin that will grow and eventually lead to destruction. As Jesus teaches us, the mustard seed is the tiniest seed of all, yet it grows into the largest tree. “³² Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” – Matthew 13:32. Beloved, please stay alert, be sober, and keep your hearts and minds focused on Jesus Christ. By doing so, you will be able to bear the fruit of holiness and righteousness always.

Scripture for Reflection

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

Temptation knocks at our doors with deceitful promises of pleasure, but these are only lies meant to draw us into captivity, harden our hearts against God, and lead us to eternal destruction. May God help us always find the way of escape and triumph over sin through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.