My friend enjoys painting, but this sensitive soul often feels guilty when she’s working in her studio. She wonders whether she should be doing something more “Christ-like” with her time. How can I be taking up my cross if I’m doing something I enjoy? Have I become too focused on the stuff of this world?
She shouldn’t feel guilty for doing something she enjoys, for that wholesome pleasure was God’s idea first (Genesis 1:27-31). He came up with beauty, laughter, strawberries, and sunny days. And while God warns us against idolatry—the sin of putting our hopes and trust in any earthly pleasure—He has nothing against the pleasure itself. Even Jesus went out of His way to recharge His batteries with worldly beauty.
The week that Jesus died, He escaped the urban chaos of Jerusalem by crossing the Kidron Valley and retreating into a quiet stand of olive trees. He had made this journey so often that Judas knew right where to find Him. Judas “knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples” (John 18:2). Jesus’ garden respite was suddenly invaded by “blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons” (John 18:3), and the night became a microcosm of the battle that was taking place in the universe. Violence and betrayal had marched into God’s good world, and only one Man could save it.
Jesus defeated evil by His death and resurrection. Then He ascended to heaven and sent His Holy Spirit to continue the campaign through us. It can be exhausting to stand for love and righteousness in this evil age, so let’s follow Jesus’ lead and make time for refreshment in the pleasures of Earth. What beautiful spot inspires you? What activity energizes you? Where is your garden?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 45:1-28
More:
Read 1 Timothy 4:1-5 to learn what God thinks about earthly pleasure.
Next:
What wholesome pleasure does God want you to enjoy? What idol does He want you to destroy?
Gary Shultz on January 29, 2016 at 6:27 am
I’ve kept a little test filed I’ve heard years ago. You can, with good accuracy, tell who a person is by three things in their lives, their friends, the music they listen to and what they do in their spare time. It’s like our PCs they can be used for good or evil. I find enjoyment in what God has placed on the earth for us “urban chaos” does not fill my soul, some find great enjoyment in large urban expanses. The “man made” stuff can twist more toward pleasures that God never intended. The results of mans carelessness can be seen in nature; however, is evil itself generated there? Of course anything that detracts from our relationship with the Creator Himself, should be eliminated. I can’t wait to see what is planned for us in a new world. Thanks Mike
lamlite on January 29, 2016 at 6:42 am
Nya”Garden of Peace” is where I am at this moment, my peaceful, private time with the Lord. He is my energizer, my stabilizer, and my LIFE. ” I love you, Lord Jesus.”
Mike Wittmer on January 29, 2016 at 8:09 am
Amen! Hard to beat that! Then take Him with you as you enjoy His world throughout your day.
Tom Felten on January 29, 2016 at 8:02 am
It can be pure joy to work in our “garden,” experiencing the beauty and blessings God has provided for us in the here and now, while also seeing how these interests and abilities allow us to build meaningful relationships that can affect us and others for eternity!
gagirllive on January 29, 2016 at 8:05 am
This is spot on for me today, Mike. Thank you! I tend to be so careful in making sure that I’m not wasting time on frivolity that I forget that enjoying the beautiful gifts that God has given me (inside of me as well as around me) is as much a “spiritual act of worship” to Him as my Christian disciplines. If it’s wholesome and good, maybe we should drop the term “guilty pleasure” and call it our godly pleasure. Hmmm…Chocolate covered strawberries for breakfast this morning (hold the guilt) might be calling my name.
Mike Wittmer on January 29, 2016 at 8:08 am
I love that idea–godly pleasure rather than guilty pleasure. And I’m with you on the strawberries. I pick a bunch in June so I can have them on cereal throughout these cold winter months. If God didn’t want us to enjoy life, then why did he give us strawberries?
Mike Wittmer on January 29, 2016 at 8:05 am
Thank you for this wisdom, Gary. My only concern is that a few of my friends might read this, become concerned, and drop me! 🙂
jim spillane on January 29, 2016 at 11:22 am
I always get a chuckle out of a quote attributed to Ben Franklin that states “beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” I was reminded of it as I read the comments regarding strawberries and enjoying life, although I probably wouldn’t mix the two. Cheers!
Mike Wittmer on January 29, 2016 at 11:38 am
Yes, and what Ben probably did after a few beers is proof that he needed Jesus. 🙂
joycemb on January 29, 2016 at 11:36 am
Thank you for this, it’s just what I needed to hear! Being retired now I find I have a lot of ‘time’ to actually do the things I love, yet I feel guilty about it all the time!!! Evidently the guilt comes from the enemy and my own work ethic that still tends do drive me. God is teaching me how to relax and enjoy the lovely things of life.
Mike Wittmer on January 29, 2016 at 11:41 am
Thank you for sharing, Joyce. Let me encourage you by saying it was the serpent who told Eve that God wasn’t on her side, that He was trying to hold her back. We must never participate in sinful activities, but false guilt over wholesome activities that we enjoy only comes from the devil. God created you to enjoy what you love about His world. See 1 Tim. 6:17–God “has given us everything for our enjoyment.”
joycemb on January 29, 2016 at 2:40 pm
Thank you for the scriptures also, I will be memorizing them!
Roxanne Robbins on January 29, 2016 at 1:56 pm
When used wisely, solitude (which is different than isolation) gives us time to quietly commune with God and listen for His still-small voice. Increasingly, I’m learning the value of solitude over constant busyness, and non-stop input from social media.