What Kind of Life Do You Want?

by Dennis Abernathy

I recently read this observation about today’s society: “Modern society wants entertainment instead of enrichment and a 'good time' rather than a 'good life.'" Sadly, we see this played out in many people's lives, and none of us are immune to the temptation to want the same.

Instead of being spiritually enriched, many only want to be carnally entertained. Many are not interested in whether or not they are living a good life. Their priority is only to experience what they style “a good time!”

Hedonism is defined as “The self-indulgent pursuit of pleasure as a way of life.” The pursuit of pleasure and entertainment predominates the lives of many people. Having a good time has become the avenue of happiness for some. It doesn’t mean that I think all entertainment is wrong, happiness is wrong, or having the right kind of good time is wrong. The truth is that clean entertainment isn’t wrong and even has some value. Helen Keller said, “Many persons have a wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Thus, having a “good time” is not wrong as long as we don’t have to become less than good to have it!

We must acknowledge that it is foolish and short-sighted to be so caught up in momentary gratifications that we forget what is important in life. Serving the Lord is where true meaning and purpose in life are found. Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Knowing that one has forgiveness of sins, access to God in prayer, God’s Word for our daily guidance (Psalms 119: 105), spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1: 3), and encouragement of faithful people of God, we can have life in its fullness in this life with the hope of eternal life in Heaven with God after a while (Titus 1:3; 2:11-14).

What kind of life do you want? The choice is yours. Think on these things.