DO YOU HAVE TO SACRIFICE PLEASURE TO BE RELIGIOUS?

From the ebook 'WE ARE ALL SLAVES TO SOMETHING' A Millenials Guide to Morality in Today's World. Part 8

This is a common thought held by the general public and by many of the youth who are raised by parents they view as very ‘religious’. It seems as if religion is filled with ‘don’t do this’ and ‘don’t do that’. But we must keep in mind that we are God’s children, like a child begs for a toy that the parents know they will soon forget we too long for the pleasures of this world that God knows will be unfulfilling for us (Hebrews 12:6-11). And like a loving parent he attempts to provide us with the truth and steer us in the right direction, avoiding our worldly lusts. If you have read through Part 7 with Bible verses showing that we are slaves to sin and to the world, then you know that we are not sacrificing pleasure to be religious, we are simply investing in the only thing that can truly fulfill us.

John 14:17-21, you should keep God’s commandments out of love for him.

2 Peter 2:7-9, God will deliver us from temptation.

Philippians 4:6-7 God will give you peace in your heart & mind.

Psalm 37:4, if you live for God he will provide.

1 Corinthians 7:2-9 it is not a law to not have sex before marriage, however due to lack of sexual morality Paul recommends you wait until you’re married because many don’t have self-control. But you should enjoy sex with your spouse ( 1 Corinthians 7:25-26)

1 Corinthians 7:12-14 Paul believes there are certain circumstances in which it’s ok to marry a non-believer.

*1 Corinthians 7:32-35, contrary to the popular belief that marriage is rushed in organized religion, Paul recommends that you don’t rush into marriage and you focus on Gods law.

1 Timothy 1:9-10, God’s law is only restrictive for the ungodly.

1 Timothy 6:17-19, the rich shouldn’t put their hope in wealth. God can provide us with everything for our enjoyment. If the rich do good and are generous then they will have treasure in heaven.

*1 Peter 1:6-9, you will suffer grief and trials, they are necessary to prove your faith (they also build character- Romans 5:3-4). Your faith in something you can’t see (Hebrews 11:1) will result in the salvation of your soul.

*1 Peter 1:14-16, we are like children, we can’t conform to the desires we had when we were ignorant. Our behavior should be holy.

Proverbs 15:16-17, better to have less and fear God then to have much with turmoil.

Proverbs 23:29-35, don’t resolve your worries and strife with alcohol, in the end it does more harm than good and is poison for you (prayer and confession can help you cope life’s worries)

Proverbs 1:27-30, if you listen to God you can turn to him for safety, those who hate knowledge and don’t fear God will have no one to turn to during tough times.

1 Peter 4:3-5, those who are wicked will have to account for their offenses before God in the end.

Proverbs 30:8-9, pray to have your needs provided. Being too poor can lead to theft and being too rich can lead you astray.