Living Beyond Pleasure
Embracing a Purposeful Life
Living for pleasure alone may seem like an ordinary, even acceptable path, but it's a dangerous one that keeps us from reaching our full potential.
Those who pursue only what gratifies their immediate desires might appear to live fulfilling lives.
Yet, this path can rob them of true meaning, self-control, and purpose.
Self-Control: The Foundation of a Fulfilled Life
People who lack self-control can be likened to zombies. Zombies, though fictional, are depicted as entities without purpose or self-determination, driven by nothing but a base instinct.
Similarly, if we are always lured by things that satisfy only our fleshly desires—like comfort, indulgence, or laziness—it signifies that these impulses have taken control over our spirits.
True self-mastery begins when we stop letting these urges dictate our actions.
Instead, we must exercise discipline to align our lives with higher, more fulfilling goals.
Discipline Over Pleasure: A Key to Success
Discipline is essential for a life of success and fulfillment.
While pleasure offers short-term satisfaction, discipline leads to long-term rewards.
The price of discipline far outweighs the cost of indiscipline.
Those who give in to every pleasure risk becoming poor—not just materially, but also in character and legacy.
True greatness is rarely achieved by those who consistently yield to pleasure; rather, it is achieved by those willing to sacrifice and put in the work needed to fulfill their potential.
Indulgence might bring temporary joy, but it’s discipline that brings lasting success.
The Purpose of Life: Serving Beyond Self
To live solely for oneself is to live a life withering away.
Just as a tree does not consume its own fruit but provides for others, we, too, are meant to live in service of others.
True fulfillment comes from positively impacting others, not merely catering to our own needs.
When some advocate for "self-love," it can sometimes mask a form of selfishness that stifles growth.
Real self-love involves living in a way that allows us to contribute meaningfully to others.
True Living: Making a Lasting Impact
Our highest purpose, especially as Christians, is to live in a way that leads others toward light and truth.
As followers of Christ, we are chosen to bear fruit that nourishes others, spreading light and hope to those around us.
Impacting others and bringing them closer to Christ is what it means to live a truly alive life.
When we focus only on our own pleasure, we risk leaving this world without having made any meaningful difference.
Living for Others: The Essence of a Meaningful Life
We were created not merely to survive or serve ourselves but to serve and uplift others.
By helping others and living with discipline and purpose, we not only live fully but leave a lasting impact.
A life driven by pleasure alone will fade unnoticed, but a life driven by service and purpose will be remembered and celebrated.
In the end, true joy and fulfillment come not from fleeting pleasures but from a life rooted in discipline, purpose, and service.
Only by embracing these values can we remain truly alive and make a difference in the world.
Let us choose to live a life that not only satisfies ourselves but also enriches those around us.
(Author, Pastor E. A. Adeboye)RCCG
