Pleasure: God's Good Gift and Its Rightful Place

Pleasure is woven into the fabric of creation by God Himself, who declared all that He had made to be good. Yet Scripture draws a clear distinction between pleasure received as a gift from God and pleasure pursued as a substitute for Him — a distinction that shapes the way we understand enjoyment, desire, and the purpose of human life.

God's Pleasure and the Goodness of Creation

God was pleased with His work of creation, stating that all the things He had created were good, and in the case of humankind, "very good" (Gen 1:4-31). We are created for His pleasure — to be holy and blameless in His sight (Eph 1:4; Rev 4:11). This purpose often requires His correction and discipline, which at the time is not enjoyable but afterwards brings a blessing, like pruning that is done with the long-term view of increased productivity (Jn 15:2,8; Heb 12:5-11).

God is more delighted when right attitudes lead to positive behaviour than in our repenting after sinning; similarly, He receives no pleasure when a wicked person dies in their sin, but is pleased when they turn and become His children (1 Sam 15:22; Ps 51:16-17; Ezek 18:23, 33:11; Lk 15:7). His pleasure is not passive approval but is deeply invested in the flourishing and redemption of those He has made.

We are created for God's pleasure — to be holy and blameless in His sight

The Gift and Boundaries of Pleasure

We can receive pleasure from nature and the simple things in life, from our work, from doing good to others, and from wholesome interaction with people — and especially from fellowship with God, the source of all life. Jesus came to give us life, and have it to the full, "richly providing us with everything for our enjoyment", within the boundaries He has established (Rom 10:10; 1 Tim 6:17).

In this fallen world, where God's best for us is often perverted, what society considers a pleasurable activity does not necessarily mean it is acceptable in God's sight, healthy for us, or able to provide long-term enjoyment (1 Cor 6:12-17; Gal 5:19-21; Col 3:5-10). The distinction between happiness and joy is significant: being happy in our emotions depends on external circumstances, while joy — an inner quality and a fruit of the Spirit — is based on a relationship with God and is less affected by the outer world when a person is right with God (Hab 3:17-18; Gal 5:22-23).

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, rooted in relationship with God and sustained regardless of circumstance

The Danger of Pleasure Pursued Apart from God

The pursuit of pleasure for its own sake — hedonism — and the gaining of possessions and power is worthless, leading to ruin and a meaningless existence if we forfeit our spiritual destiny. Hedonism, the belief that pleasure is the highest good and ultimate aim of human life, stands in direct opposition to the biblical call to seek first the Kingdom of God (Mt 6:33). These things choke out and destroy the spiritual life within, taking the place God should have (Prov 21:17; Eccl 2:1-11; Mk 8:36-37; Lk 8:14, 12:15-21). The Bible instructs us to "Give to the Lord the glory due to His name… Delight yourself in the Lord" (1 Chr 16:29; Ps 37:4).

God is not opposed to us experiencing pleasure, but is opposed when it replaces His rightful place in our lives. This is expressed in the warning that "in the last days people will be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God", being only concerned with their own selfish interests (2 Tim 3:1-4; Tit 3:3). Moses refused the short-term pleasures of Egypt because he looked ahead, seeing the outcome and rewards waiting for him by living obedient to God's way (Heb 11:24-26). Sometimes we too must choose to forgo the pleasures of the moment to invest in God's Kingdom — and those who seek Him and His righteousness, giving up legitimate earthly things for His Kingdom, will not be disappointed, for God has eternal treasures in store (Ps 16:11; Mt 6:33, 19:29).

What is the focus of my pleasure — self or God?

Reflection and Application:

Consider the sources of pleasure in your daily life — are they received with gratitude to God, or have they begun to take His rightful place?
Reflect on the difference between happiness, which depends on circumstances, and joy, which is rooted in relationship with God — which characterises your experience?
Think about Moses' choice to refuse short-term pleasure for long-term reward — what present pleasures might God be calling you to surrender for the sake of His Kingdom?
Examine whether God's discipline in your life, though not enjoyable at the time, has produced a deeper blessing and increased fruitfulness afterward.