Just need to start writing some thoughts down. Need to start somewhere.
Just got done having a short convo with Aaron. Several months ago he preached on the "pleasure" gospel, mentioning that so many of us are seeking the wrong things in life, and missing out.
I thought it was true, basic overview: It is easy to see it in other people. They go out to the bars on the weekend, go to the strip clubs, whatever...but is it much better for us "Christians"? So many of us spend our time on watching tv, driving nice cars, living in nice houses, having barbecues, playing video games, playing sports, trying to live a comfortable life and avoid hardships. Surely there is a benefit to doing things that are "moral" vs "immoral", but I think Aaron was asserting there is a call to do even more. To seek the reward of storing up treasures in Heaven.
I wrestled with this for awhile. Sure, I agree, I could see tv was not beneficial, and even a destructive force in my life, so I cut back. I don't need to play video games, that was easy, I gave that up awhile ago. I could handle simple meals, I don't need as much cookies and cake, even though I like them. But I wanted to see the future state, I want to know where I am going to end up. Should I stop playing soccer and do something that more directly furthers the kingdom? Should I not play guitar, have barbecues, work on photography, play music, seek any pleasure?
Obviously pleasure is not wrong, but where does this pleasure gospel end?
Aaron mentioned some good things:
1. Sometimes ministry/good things need to be done even if we don't feel like it
2. God does motivate us with treasures in heaven for a reason (he agreed with pastor Mark there)
3. Like the feeding of the 5000 passage, Jesus said we were not meant just to eat.
4. Aaron does not think it is good to just live our lives to survive and then die.
5. God made pleasure and wants us to be happy on earth.
6. We can find joy and happiness in the right things.
Now to find some scripture that helps flush this out more.
