Lovers of Pleasure or Lovers of God? A Sobering Self-Check

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'...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.


Pleasure exists across a wide spectrum. Some forms are permitted by God, but only for specific people and under certain conditions. Others are clearly forbidden. When someone crosses the boundary into what God has not permitted, simply to satisfy a craving or to “feel good” or “high,” they are, in effect, choosing that pleasure over obedience to God. It reveals a heart that values personal gratification above love for God and His standards.

Then came the sobering realization: Anyone who pursues selfish desires in defiance of Jehovah’s commands and principles is a lover of pleasure. Adam & Eve, Cain, Jezebel, Judas, the demons, and many others fit this description, and this isn't the company I signed off for. I had to ask myself, "Have I ever been among them?"

The answer was uncomfortable but necessary: Yes, at times, I had. And it was time for honest self-examination. I reached for my imaginary 'journal of acceptable activities and conduct' and began removing habits and tendencies that aligned me with those I detest.


Like me, you too can take a stand to reject being a lover of pleasure and choose instead to be a steadfast lover of Jehovah.

Let’s resolve today to pursue His will above all else. What do you say?

 

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth: https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/You-Can-Live-Forever-in-Paradise-on-Earth/

Nde Aworome: Crooks, thieves, immoral people.

Tufiakwa! – May God forbid bad things!

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 13, 2025 at 5:35 AM

    Wow! I never thought of myself as a lover of pleasure rather than lovers of God. But I have been, not a few times. Thanks for the wake up call. Man got to be more vigilant in shunning pleasures that displease God.

    ReplyDelete

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