"lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God"  In our western society today we are more and more becoming lovers of ourselves (in a negative way). We selfishly love ourselves and in much that we do, we are really only looking out for ourselves.  Our main concern is with what gives us pleasure, even if this pleasure comes at the hurt and expense of others. We have become addicted to doing whatever gives us pleasure, even when it contradicts what God says.  How can it be that men can dive so deep into the sea of pleasure, and yet be so shallow they die of thirst for the lack of the water of life to give meaning?   In diving to the bottom of pleasure we bring up more gravel than pearls.  Why is this the case?  

Pastor Glenn Pease explians,  "The answer is really quite simple. The reason why all good things can become evil, or have the potential for being bad, is because of the choice of men to put the good in the place of the best. It is really that simple. Good things out of place are bad things. Consider these examples: 1. A good seed capable of giving the pleasure of beauty and taste becomes a bad thing when it gets in your eye. It is not a pleasure, but a pain. It is out of place. 2. Dirt is made by God for the producing of much beauty and pleasure, but when it gets on your carpet it is a good thing out of place, and, therefore, bad. 3. Sex is a good thing, but it becomes bad when it is out of place, and not consistent with God's plan for this pleasure. 4. Drugs are a powerful tool for good and the prevention of much suffering, but out of place they become a tool for the destruction of life.

There are endless examples because all good things can be out of place. This makes every positive become a negative. That is what idolatry is all about. It is something we deem good being exalted to the level of God.  Sex and personal relationships are  good but they are not the best God has to offer, The best he offers to us is himself, via fellowship and his spirit dwelling in us.  When we take that which is good and put it in the place of God,  the good spoils and becomes rotten because it was not designed to be in the place of the best. It is out of place and no longer a part of the kingdom of order, but part of the kingdom of disorder. The truth of the matter is that it is GOD who best knows how to give man   pleasure and fulfillment on every level of his existence.   Compare the words of Paul,  "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;"  1st Tim.  6:17. 

PORTIONS OF THIS BOOK ARE AVAILABILE FOR YOUR FREE ONLINE STUDY. SIMPLY  STROLL DOWN PAST THE TABLE OF CONTENT LIST. CLICK ON THE  BOOK WHICH IS LOCATED BELOW.  THIS WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY INTO THIS STUDY.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE ADDICTION.