October
10, 2003
THE
PLEASURES OF LIFE
"Now
the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have
heard, go out and are choked with - pleasures of life"
(Luke 8:14, NKJV).
"There
is danger in amusement that is sought merely for self-gratification.
All habits of indulgence that weaken the physical powers,
that becloud the mind, or that benumb the spiritual perceptions,
are 'fleshly lusts which war against the soul' (1 Peter 2:11).
"The
desires for other things entering in choke the word"
(Mark 4:19). "These are not necessarily things sinful
in themselves, but something that is made first instead of
the kingdom of God. Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever
draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the
soul.
"In
[the] formative period of their children's life, the responsibility
of parents is very great. It should be their study to surround
the youth with right influences, influences that will give
them correct views of life and its true success. Instead of
this, how many parents make it their first object to secure
for their children worldly prosperity. All their associations
are chosen with reference to this object. Many parents make
their home in some large city, and introduce their children
into fashionable society. They surround them with influences
that encourage worldliness and pride. In this atmosphere the
mind and soul are dwarfed. The high and noble aims of life
are lost sight of. The privilege of being sons of God, heirs
of eternity, is bartered for worldly gain.
"Many
parents seek to promote the happiness of their children by
gratifying their love of amusement. They allow them to - -
attend parties of pleasure, and provide them with money to
use freely in display and self-gratification. The more the
desire for pleasure is indulged, the stronger it becomes.
The interest of these youth is more and more absorbed in amusement,
until they come to look upon it as the great object of life.
They form habits of idleness and self-indulgence that make
it almost impossible for them ever to become steadfast Christians...
"It
is true that some may see their folly and repent. God may
pardon them. But they have wounded their own souls, and brought
upon themselves a lifelong peril."--Christ's Object
Lessons, pp., 53, 54, 55.
|
