Enjoying life and being a disciple

[Ben Collyer]

How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun

and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

because if your enjoying your life, then you are ofcourse loving your life.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible

 

[Wordkeeper]

John 12:24
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

 

[faroukfarouk]

How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun

and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

because if your enjoying your life, then you are ofcourse loving your life.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible

If we 'hunger and thirst after righteousness', then the basis of our enjoyment is sanctified.

 

[Ben Collyer]

If we 'hunger and thirst after righteousness', then the basis of our enjoyment is sanctified.

so indeed enjoying life is wrong?

 

[faroukfarouk]

so indeed enjoying life is wrong?

1 Timothy 6.17 is relevant here: 'God..giveth us all things richly to enjoy'.

But we need to define enjoyment as being minus sinful things. Above all, if by God's grace we seek to please the Master above all things, then we won't be self-willed. It's all about a deep change of motives.

 

[Ben Collyer]

1 Timothy 6.17 is relevant here: 'God..giveth us all things richly to enjoy'.

But we need to define enjoyment as being minus sinful things. Above all, if by God's grace we seek to please the Master above all things, then we won't be self-willed. It's all about a deep change of motives.

pleasing the master above all things as in, someone invites you for dinner but you decline because you feel God would prefer you to help out at the local homeless shelter?

and what if one day I say nope im going to go for dinner, am I therefore displeasing God because im not doing the better thing?

 

[salt-n-light]

so indeed enjoying life is wrong?

Enjoying life shouldn't be an expectation. Nor something to pursue. But you'll see the joy of life through your walk in Jesus.

 

[Ben Collyer]

Enjoying life shouldn't be an expectation.

so I should expect to not enjoy life?

 

[salt-n-light]

so I should expect to not enjoy life?

Which life are you seeking to enjoy? This life or eternal life?

 

[Ben Collyer]

Which life are you seeking to enjoy? This life or eternal life?

both

 

[Ben Collyer]

Enjoying life shouldn't be an expectation. Nor something to pursue. But you'll see the joy of life through your walk in Jesus.

so where does having friends/family come in? should I rid myself of friends and family because they serve no other purpose than to make my life enjoyable?

 

[salt-n-light]

both

Its either one or the other. Can't have eyes on this world and heaven.

 

[Ben Collyer]

Its either one or the other. Can't have eyes on this world and heaven.

why do most of the christian websites I check, tell me to be thankful for and enjoy the blessings I have?

 

[salt-n-light]

so where does having friends/family come in? should I rid myself of friends and family because they serve no other purpose than to make my life enjoyable?

People are not here for your amusement.

 

[salt-n-light]

why do most of the christian websites I check, tell me to be thankful for and enjoy the blessings I have?

Im sorry, are you reading your Bible?

 

[Ben Collyer]

People are not here for your amusement.

so you dont laugh and enjoy the company of friends/family? if you do then id suggest a bit of hypocrisy

 

[Ben Collyer]

People are not here for your amusement.

so you dont laugh and enjoy the company of friends/family? if you do then id suggest a bit of hypocrisy

 

[salt-n-light]

so you dont laugh and enjoy the company of friends/family? if you do then id suggest a bit of hypocrisy

So then pray for me.

 

[turkle]

I completely disagree with Mskriskris. Enjoyment in life comes from having a clear conscience, and knowing that we are the object of God's love, where we find our security. It also comes from enjoying the company of others and edifying and serving each other. It's fun to do that. Enjoyment also comes from a heart of gratitude and the understanding that God is our provider, sustainer and love. When we share this with our friends, it's tremendously enjoyable and lots of fun.

It's sad when people say that once you've accepted Christ that life is miserable and you have to endure it until eternity. Jesus said that we are to be salt and light to the world. Can you imagine anyone being drawn to Jesus through us if our witness is sour and miserable? We are here to proclaim the good news, not to slog through until heaven. Enjoy your family and friends, be a good witness of Christ to them and express your gratitude that they are in your life.

 

[Wordkeeper]

It's strange, but when I make arrangements for enjoying life a bit, plans don't work out. However, when I consciously decide to make sacrifices for the sake of ministry, helping people, plenty of goodies come my way!

Matthew 6:32-33
32For the pagans pursue all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be addedunto you.