“Lovers of pleasures, more than lovers of God”

What gives us the greatest pleasure today? One might ask, why was the above comment, listed as a sign of the last days; and why is this perilous, or dangerous. I won’t pretend that I am comfortable talking about this. I am led to recall once more, that many are being asked in this hour, to speak about some things, they’d almost rather not. In this time, when someone speaks to upbraid something that many people like doing, spirits, can turn on you.

I’m sure, there are those who might ask, why, do you talk about things, you can’t do anything about anyway. One might respond, why does God call people or choose them. It’s no wonder, there are so many who love to just prophesy about prosperity and all the greatest blessings to people; or only speak, what the people want to hear. It’s safe. The enemy doesn’t hound you, and the fury of the masses, don’t wish you all the harm they can. The folks that hated Jesus the most, were those who thought themselves the most righteous and holy. They sought every opportunity, to destroy Him.

Some will think me old-fashioned, and out of step with today’s world. But, I am grateful, that I am old enough, to remember some things. You can call it “back in the day” if you wish, but a different message than this one, might say, we need to go back to some of those days. We left some good things, behind. I’m glad we left some of those old ways and days back there and that God has given us some more sense, and some better understanding. But, I knew people, that loved God, more than anything else. Serving Him, feeling His presence and watching Him work in their lives and the lives of others, was their greatest joy. Nothing, meant more to them, than God.

God’s not against pleasures; what kind of deity would that be. And He is certainly not against us being happy and having a good time. It’s usually our excess, that troubles Him. And perhaps, some of our tastes, that are not healthy; mentally or spiritually. “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Remember that. God did not create us, for Him to play second fiddle, to our lusts; whatever they might be. Alright. Our cars, our houses, our looks, our jobs, our congregation, our politics, our money, partying, our friends and our various vices. Even, our children, and our grandchildren.

Here goes. Our technological toys. Another translation, used the terms, sensual pleasures, and vain amusements. Movies, video games, cell phones/texting or just surfing our computer. The question the Spirit wants asked here, is, how much time do we spend with God; how much do we talk with Him and commune with Him?

Attending a church service a couple times a week, is not enough time with Him. He wants our attention, and our admiration, our devotion, worship on a daily basis and praise, during the week. The key is “more than God.” Ask yourself, why is that dangerous?

Robert Blackburn