I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 2:1
We must test all our pleasures and amusements by this rule:
“Lovers of pleasure — rather than lovers of God; having a form of godliness — but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:4-5
Is the love of pleasure and amusement growing on you — gaining the power and authority over you? Is it dulling the keenness of your zest for spiritual pleasures?
Is it making Bible study, prayer, communion with Christ, and meditation upon holy themes — less sweet enjoyments than they once were? Is it making your hunger for righteousness, and for God — less intense? Is it interfering with the comfort and blessing which you used to find in church services, or in Christ’s work?
If so, there is only one thing to do — hurry to return to God, to abandon the pleasure or amusement which is imperiling your soul, and to find in Christ, the joy which the world cannot give, and which never harms any aspect of life.
We must test all our pleasures and amusements by this rule: Are they helping us to grow into Christ-likeness and spiritual beauty?
“All things are lawful — but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful — but not all things edify.” 1 Corinthians 10:23
J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.
PHOTO CAPTION: “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity” by Isaak Asknaziy (19th Century) is an illustration from Brockhaus and Efron Jewish Encyclopedia. (Public Domain)
