Purpose or Pleasure?

Huh, it's almost been a month since I started my fast from gaming.  To confess, I have played a little game here or there; nothing too big or too long.  It wasn't obsessive at all and I have no guilt.  I just put it down again and was able to not let it take up too much of my time.  I get obsessive about things, I'm not really sure why I do.  Maybe that is a common human trait.  I can't speak for others, I can only speak for myself.  :)

I was listening to Ravi Z. last night on Moody because I missed church yesterday.  I wanted to go to church, and actually hungered for it.  I get through my week well when I am able to take part in hanging out with other followers.  I love and thrive on the encouragement, the support, the mutual heart connections I have with others.  I love ministering to others as well.  I need it to truly live well.  I see the beauty in the way God designed it.  We can't go it alone.   I also need to hear and study His word to get through my week.  However, I know I can and will do that part on my own, so that's not the problem here.  


Well, back to Ravi, (because you know, we're on a first name basis.  ;o) )
 Moody didn't play the whole sermon, but what I caught was quite beneficial.  He was talking about the detriments of pleasure in the world; not suffering.  God created all good things, He wants us to enjoy life and take pleasure in things.  He delights in seeing us happy.  However, it's only when that pleasure is taking part with our purpose and not distracting us from our purpose.  "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
What's our purpose?  To know Him and to make Him known.  The more and more I walk this walk with Christ, the more and more I realize that anything apart from Him is vain.  Gaming to me, distracted me from my purpose.  The only time I have a true heart-felt fulfillment is at times when, whatever I do in this life, if I'm doing it for the glory of God, then there is a peace and a filled hole in my heart.  I feel complete.  It's the only time I am truly happy.  
Just like Solomon said, "It's like chasing after the wind." when we seek pleasure for pleasure's sake alone. To satisfy our own fleshly desires.  Once one gets to the top, there is nothing there.  I picture a mountain top here, and I could never understand the fascination with people trying to get to the top of Mount Everest and risk their precious life.  If they get to the top, what is there?  Nothing but air.  Some have lost limbs, others have lost lives.  What for?  Just so one can boast, they got to the top and survived?  Is that what we really want in this life?  To get to the top of vain ambition and suffer along the way and possibly lose a limb or life?


These are my thoughts today.  I am glad God keeps talking to me.  I am glad I am growing in love and understanding.   His word means so much to me.  Praise you God today for your word.  Thank you for crushing sin, so we can truly come to know you.  There is nothing like it.  You are Holy, and an awesome God.  What a loving Father.  I love you.