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Pleasure, Pain, and Purpose

We strive mightily to make things perfect. But would we really like them that way?

What would a game of golf be like if every drive and putt were perfect every time? What would be the fun in hunting if every outing produced record game with perfect shots? Would victory of any kind carry reward if it didn't lie on the other side of struggle? Who would want to see a move with no conflict to be resolved?

As we deal with the difficulties of this world, it may be good to consider that while we do not like pain, pleasure is not that much better for us. Ponder this: too much struggle and heartache drive us to despair. But on the other hand, too much pleasure and freedom produces boredom and emptiness (think of the many famous people who apparently "had it all" but destroyed their lives).

Could it be that we are only "happy," nay, sane, living somewhere in between? Before we rail too hard against struggle as an enemy, perhaps we should make ourselves equally aware of his counterpart at the opposite end. At least pain and suffering are obviously hurtful. Pleasure and ease are sneak-attackers.

So what are we to do in between?

I posit that living life on purpose, for a purpose, is the way we are supposed to navigate these waters. We will suffer some pain, experience some pleasures, tossed about by both as on waves, but our vessel should be pointed at that distant shore. It matters where we are sailing, and it matters how we sail. As you set your compass, I recommend Ecclesiastes 12:13 for a bearing.

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7 responses to “Pleasure, Pain, and Purpose”

  1. Bob Prankard Avatar
    Bob Prankard

    My pastor just preached a similar message last week. Truth is held in tension. (Ecclesiastes 3)
    A battery with only one terminal connected is powerless – it needs both the positive and negative to complete the circuit.
    Pleasure and pain – in that tension lies the truth. It’s a completed circuit.
    Thank you for this post Chris… truly, words of wisdom.

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  2. Torence Buss Avatar
    Torence Buss

    It is true that anything and everything in excess can begrudge the soul. From booze to television, from money to media, these things are ok, but prolonged exposure can cause symptoms of lethargy and drunkenness. We would all be wise, including myself, to remember this. For so long as we walk this earth as humans, we will be constantly plagued by an imbalance of good and evil. To make the right choice is simple, but not always easy. God does not promise easy. Will you live a life of significance like the noble few or will you die in obscurity like all the rest? That is the BIG question.

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  3. Tony Tefel Avatar
    Tony Tefel

    Chris,
    There was an old Twilight Zone episode where a murder dies and finds himself amidst everything pleasurable. He wins at every card game, shooting pool etc. He finds himself surrounded by every sensate pleasure. A perfect eternity. After a period of time he finds himself board and talks to his guide and tells him he wants out of Heaven. “Heaven, Mr. Valentine? Whatever gave you the idea that you were in Heaven?
    You article is so right for this “time”. We are at a point in our country where much will be expected from us, as citizens, family members, business partners and leaders. Our understanding of temporary sacrifices and struggles, and temporary they will be, will lead to long lasting success in our finances, relationships, faith, dreams, and the freedom and security of our nation. Galatians 6:9
    Tony Tefel

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  4. Phyllis Hoff Avatar
    Phyllis Hoff

    Chris:
    Struggles in my life have always made me stronger so that when the pleasures do arrive I appreciate them so much. Thank you for the
    insight and the passage.

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  5. David Nelson Avatar
    David Nelson

    Hey Chris,
    What profit a man if he gains the world and loses his soul?
    Let us keep our eye on GOD’s kingdom and helping as many people as we can to accept his Son Jesus, confess our sins, ask for forgiveness. Forget the pleasure and the pain. Just seek Jesus and build his Kingdom.
    Pleasure and pain are what the world uses to destroy us, just as it removed us from our direct link to God our father.Pleasure is painful struggle to break out of a comfort zone.
    Keeping my eyes on Jesus and helping him do his work will lead us to salvation and return us to a place where good and bad are stripped from our souls and then we will truely be in Heaven.
    Dave in Florida( the redneck rascal side-east coast)

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  6. Skipper Avatar
    Skipper

    If it is true, which I believe it is that: “too much pleasure and freedom produces boredom and emptiness” why is the federal government trying to make things so easy for us by taking care of all of our concerns for us? Perhaps they know that we will than be bored, apathic, empty and want them to take care of us even more. The consequences of which is lose of freedom for us.
    What a GREAT thought Chris.
    Thanks, Skipper

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  7. Clint Kandel Avatar
    Clint Kandel

    Thank you for writing on this topic Chris! As I look into my life with the thought of, what you said, “a perfect world” the adventure would be gone, no battle would be worth fighting and life, I believe, would be as exciting and vibrant as the color tan. I anticipate reading your blogs, please keep them rolling off the press! Thank you and have a blessed day!

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