People live at a much faster pace of life today than at any other time in history. It seems we are not just busy, but we are busy craving pleasure. Much like the ancient Epicureans, the motto of so many moderns is “Eat, drink, be merry, for tomorrow we die.” While God has given us life to enjoy and pleasure itself is not a sin, the addiction to pleasure is a sin.
Rudy GrayDr. Archibald Hart believes the church is contributing to this problem. He writes, “There has been a subtle shift in the last decade or so toward more of a stimulant-driven spirituality.” It seems that our high-tech tools and media-driven lifestyles are leading far too many people to develop a dependence on excitement. This leads to needing more and more excitement, until a person eventually burns out. The only healthy dependence is a dependence on Christ.
The system that encourages over-stimulation is designed for no down time. In fact, too often people feel guilty or lazy if they attempt to rest, retreat, or relax. The addiction to Internet games, pornography and visual stimulation is not only corrupting, but is also destroying people in the prime of life. To many in the church, the goal is happiness, not holiness.
What is the cure to this addictive and destructive cycle? Dr. Hart suggests simple but profound antidotes: talking to family members, learning a musical instrument or a foreign language, writing a story, exercising, simply playing outdoor sports – or just thinking.
I would add to that list the counsel of David in Psalm 1: meditating on the word of God. A person needs balance. We need to meditate, pray, relax and work. I think most over-stimulated believers (whether workaholics or pleasure addicts) can make some needed changes if they learn the lesson of the harvester ant mentioned in Proverbs 6:6. These ants are extremely busy creatures. They are active and productive. However, God has designed them to take an annual hibernation – and when they hibernate, they rest. This cycle of work and hibernation brings balance into their existence. No wonder God tells us to observe the ways of this ant and be wise.
In theology, any doctrine carried too far becomes heresy. In personality, any style carried too far becomes a personality disorder. In everyday living, any pleasure or excitement carried too far becomes self-defeating. The key is to find a way to maximize our God-given ability to enjoy pleasure without becoming addicted to pleasure seeking. That may sound like a daunting task, but Jesus has given us clear direction: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). That formula will bring balance even in hectic times.