"You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is good for you. And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything." - 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Is life about seeking pleasure? Doing whatever we want to do?

Part of the culture we are exposed to says, "Do your own thing. Do whatever you want as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else. Whatever you think is right is right for you—who am I to judge? You should try everything at least once."

But today's scripture makes it clear that not everything is good for us. And that we should not become a slave to any activity or relationship.

Consider this … 

Pursuing pleasure for pleasure's sake is not satisfying.

You're addicted to thrills? What an empty life! The pursuit of pleasure is never satisfied. - Proverbs 21:17 MSG

Doing things apart from God's ways, timing, and purposes gives us a false and temporary high. We will always need more to get the same high next time. We become preoccupied with these highs, and they end up controlling us, leading to anger, fear, shame, and guilt.

Are you doing your own thing? Or God's.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I've chosen to put myself and my pursuit of pleasure above everything else in my life. I know the greatest joy can only be found by seeking you first and following your plan for my life. Help me to follow you above all else, and then I know you will fill me with the kind of joy that lasts. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …Where is the Image of God in You? by Brad Rymer. The purpose of this study is for us to see how some of the different character traits we have can be used in constructive rather than destructive ways in our lives and relationships so that we are operating more and more in the image of God according to the way He created us. Also, this study can help us better understand others as we build godly relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.