Perceived pleasure can turn into tragedy and loss.
When Eve was being tempted in the Garden, the Scriptures say,
“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took its fruit and ate…” (Gen. 3:6)
Eve disregarded the truth that she knew about the tree of good and evil, that is, if she were to eat of it she would die (Gen. 3:4). She disregarded the truth for the pleasure of being “wise”. In the end, Adam and Eve received tragedy and loss (Romans 5:12).
Many of us have fallen for the same bait Eve fell for. What do I mean?
You may be a young man and see a scantily clad woman and because of lust, you pursue her. Your desire for this woman is fueled by lust which leads you to be compromised. That pursuit for pleasure more than likely will lead you down a road to tragedy and loss in many different ways. As the Scripture says,
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion” (Proverbs 11:22).
“For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.” (Proverbs 5:3-6)
Others who may be in the “prime” of life may subtly forsake God for the pleasures of this world. They believe status, money, sexual pleasures, and etc is there satisfaction–however, they forget…
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
The young teen may determine to “burst the bonds” (Jer. 5:5) of there parents authority and values. While in rebellion, they may enjoy a season of pleasure; yet that pleasure inevitably turns into tragedy and loss as with the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-18).
If we learn anything at all, may it be that our decisions should not be merely governed by our pursuit of pleasure. To the contrary, our decision should be governed by principle and integrity that is rooted in honoring God and His Word.
What governs your decision-making?
