The Problem of Self-Indulgence

In Ecclesiastes, the writer discusses many things of the world including wisdom itself only to conclude that it is all vanity, or temporary and worldly things that cannot be taken into the next life. Though he speaks of there being a time for everything under the sun that is just it, under the mortal sun which will pass away.
As God’s creation, we should be able to realize what is right and proper to be doing with our time while remembering that our time is borrowed. Many in this world make the most of it by living of the world only to lose everything material and gain nothing of the Spirit.  When someone gains much in the world and cares only for what pleases the individual all the while forgetting his/her origins and their faith, the person becomes lost in self-indulgence.

Let us read what Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 says about “The Vanity of Self-Indulgence” 

I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man.
So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

 Self-Indulgence is defined as: indulging one's own desires, passions, whims, etc., especially without restraint. There are many who are well known that suffer from this. Some have found themselves in deep water. Some are going to find themselves totally lost. All the money in the world cannot make one happy. Buying things that give temporary joy will break and get tossed away. Without restraint, many have indulged in sexual experimentation that will only lead to a false happiness, pain, and suffering without knowing true love. Some have taken a hard fall but have found the strength to rise while dropping out of the lime-light.

The problem of self-indulgence is a dangerous path to tread brothers and sisters. As good as it may feel, what use is it when you can no longer enjoy it yourself. Granted some would love to leave an inheritance for their children where they basically want for nothing but what happens when it runs dry or the skeletons of your past catch up with them. Even the smallest silver spoon cannot feed for very long. Though you may accomplish one thing that may help others, if you dabble in self-indulgences you will be more remembered for the bad things you did in life.

Reading through this passage, Solomon talks about the many accomplishments in his life and how he boasted of the riches that God had provided him. All of this is good until it is realized that it all really means nothing when death knocks. These gains turned to loss and trouble pursued his descendants.   

Do not indulge in the earthly pleasures gained through work Use them so that others may see God’s grace as you use the spiritual gifts to help others in their time of need. Jesus will take care of you as you have taken care of others. Feed others who hunger, give drink to those who thirst, and cloth those who are naked.

Brothers and sisters, take heed in the Words of Ecclesiastes as it speaks of the dangers of worldly pleasures and our iniquities. Look towards the Father to find the narrow path that leads to life everlasting. Pools of water dry up, trees and plants may wither away, the flesh fails but God’s Word remains. All other things are vanity, and there is nothing gained under the sun.
 
In God’s Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God