One of the greatest calamities that sin has brought upon us is the debasement of our normal emotions. We laugh at things that are not funny; we find pleasure in acts that are beneath our human dignity; and we rejoice in objects that should have no place in our affections. The objection to “sinful pleasures” that has always been characteristic of the true saint, is at bottom simply a protest against the degradation of our human emotions. That gambling, for instance, should be allowed to engross the interests of men made in the image of God has seemed ‘like a horrible perversion of noble powers; that alcohol should be necessary to stimulate the feeling of pleasure has seemed like a kind of prostitution; that men should turn to the man-made theatre for enjoyment has seemed an affront to the God who placed us in the midst of a universe charged with high dramatic action. The world’s artificial pleasures are all but evidence that the human race has to a large extent lost its power to enjoy the true pleasures of life and is forced to substitute for them false and degrading thrills.
Verse
For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. Galatians 5:17
Thought
The objection to “sinful pleasures” that has always been characteristic of the true saint, is at bottom simply a protest against the degradation of our human emotions.
Prayer
Take away our love of man-made enjoyment, Father, and replace it with a love for the true pleasures of life.