One of the idols in society today is the idol of comfort. It's the ambition of many to acquire enough money so they don't have to work, and can live out their lives in peace and quiet, probably on a desert island somewhere.
It doesn't sound too bad does it? Say they've earned their money honestly, and they've done some good for society. Surely a peaceful retirement is what they deserve?
Except that nothing in this attitude leaves any space for God. It's the parable of the rich fool all again, the story Jesus told about a man who built up his fortune to a point where he could say:
"You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."
Luke 12:19 (NIV)And how does God respond?
"You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"
Luke 12:20 (NIV)The man's big issue is his lack of gratitude towards God - he has become God in his mind, able to map out the future, blind to his total dependence on his creator for everything.
Trouble is, the attraction of comfort at the expense of God is something we 21st century Christians have fallen for big time as well.
We treat advice like this...
We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure time, is to be either reading or praying
Charles Spurgeon... as legalistic and prescriptive. The Bible says God's given us freedom as Christians to enjoy leisure time, to take long holidays abroad, to watch gripping DVD box sets, to play computer games - we need to relax after all!
No those things aren't wrong, and they can be wonderful gifts from God for us to enjoy. But is comfort and relaxation really the best way to spend the years of our life in a needy and dying world?
It seems to me people in the Bible experience the most blessing, the most growth in worthwhile characteristics, and the greatest gain in treasures that will last, when they are forced to throw themselves on God to provide everything.
These are verse to prayerfully consider:
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
Psalm 119:67, 71
