Lovers of Pleasure or Lovers of God? A Sobering Self-Check
'...lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God....' Verse 4 (1 Timothy 3:1–5) I grew up hearing this scripture regularly read at home, in Christian meetings, and in the ministry. The message was 'God's Kingdom is near’, and this scripture was cited as evidence that we are living in the last days. I came to understand that "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" were people who had no place in God’s Kingdom—gluttons destined to perish with this old system. Naturally, I have always thought, "That’s not me. That’s the unbelievers. Bad, despicable people. I remember how they are depicted in the book ‘You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth.’ ‘Nde Aworome!’ I could never be counted among them." Tufiakwa! But this morning, as the scripture came to mind again, I reflected on the angels in Noah’s day. They left their proper place to pursue selfish pleasure. Na them! This is a true example of what it means to love pleasure more than God. Plea...