Human history provides ample testimony about the effects of pleasure seeking. One pleasure is never enough. People always want the next pleasure, followed by another. Companies thrive by stoking the pleasure-seeking desires of consumers. Left to our own desires, we become slaves of pleasure-seeking, servants of the cravings of our own flesh (see Rm 6:12).
I challenge you to spend the next ten seconds looking at a crucifix. "Fix your eyes on Jesus" (Heb 3:1). As you gaze on Jesus' crucified body, ask yourself these questions: "What if Jesus chose to pursue earthly pleasure as often as I do? What if He chose not to suffer and die for me?" Then ask Jesus to break the chains of your fleshly desires. "Already you have devoted enough time" on your pleasures (1 Pt 4:3). Now devote the rest of your time on earth to seeking God's pleasure. Through the cross, be crucified to the world (Gal 6:14).
When you are crucified to your own desires, you are then empty enough to receive God's desires (see Phil 2:7). Then you are ready to receive God's treasures: abundant life, joy, peace, love, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (see Gal 5:22ff). Repent of following your desires. Seek the lasting pleasures of God rather than the momentary pleasures of this world (Ps 104:34). Make the Lord your only Treasure (Mt 13:44).
| PRAYER: | Father, send the Holy Spirit to fight against my flesh (Gal 5:17). Cleanse my heart of useless desires (Jn 2:15). |
| PROMISE: | "Let us condemn Him to a shameful death; for according to His own words, God will take care of Him." –Wis 2:20 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, Jesus! You are "the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn 11:25). Glory be to You forever! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College