HOPE: Found in the Pleasure’s of the World or in Christ?
by Steven Berrios
We have all fallen numerous times into a state of hopelessness. Everything seems to spiral downward and it appears as if there is no way to prevent events from taking a turn for the worse. When we finally give up on our attempts to fix the problem ourselves, we turn to others for assistance. Without any certainty of their presence, however, we can rely on only the hope that they are able to redeem us. So, then we turn to materialistic items of this world for solace, but we’re relieved only temporarily. Unfortunately, turning to Jesus Christ is our last option. Why is that the case if Jesus gave us His word that when we "Ask, [ ] it will be given to [us]; seek, and [we] will find; knock, and it will be opened to [us]" (Matthew 7:7)?
Pride is a major stumbling block that causes us to shove Christ aside both knowingly and unintentionally. We become so wrapped up in ourselves and our accomplishments that we begin to think that we don’t need Christ in our lives. We become boastful in our works and our "commendable" characteristics and, as a result, misdirect our praise to ourselves rather than to the one who actually deserves the credit. As we continue immersing ourselves with this arrogance, we start to fall in love with the world and its materials because we feel good about our latest, most expensive collection of gadgets and our victories achieved in "climbing the ladder of success". If we fail to realize that our works can’t get us into the Kingdom of God, this poses a problem. “All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 3:16)
If only we would let down our guard and humble ourselves before Christ, we would enable Him to enter our lives and be our hope. There is no better motivation to humble ourselves than the simple reason that it is written in God's words to us when the Bible quotes “…God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:6). In order to open our eyes to see the Lord, ears to hear his word and desire in our lives, and hearts to accept his love, we must first approach His throne with brokenness by laying our sins at the feet of Jesus. Then, we will see a glimpse of the true pleasure of the Almighty's presence, here on earth. As a fellow sinner, I can testify that by continually acknowledging my shortcomings and admitting them to Christ I have been blessed far greater than the satisfaction provided by worldy accomplishments. This joy of casting burdens aside and indulging in the completion God provides is open to all who humble themselves, regardless of color, gender or age, and I urge everyone to do just that. “…the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” (Psalm 37:11)
The conflict between the worldliness and the Lord is still another hindrance. There is no room for both, so we must evaluate which we put first. Although the struggle between the two is difficult, through faith we are able to step above the world's temptations. One of the indications of living in the light of eternity is our ability to honestly say that we no longer desire to love earthly pleasures, such as money, clubs, and drugs.
Before we can claim this win, however, we must acknowledge the transience of secular pleasures and the eternity of life with our Father.Worldly pleasures arrive hand in hand with joy, relief, and contentment, but only for a moment. We don't realize that there is no greater and longer lasting reward than that of eternity with Christ. As long as we let go of our love for this earth and seek Him wholeheartedly, we will experience this eternal peace and joy.This task becomes easier when we acknowledge that this earth's treasures only lasts a lifetime and will eventually be worthless as they disappear. The decision to accept this reward is just as brief and must be decided before we pass away. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride in life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:16-17)
As long as we accept Christ, we inherit a similar satisfaction worldly entertainment offers, but lengthened for eternity despite the extent of our wrong doings and hardened hearts. No matter how deep or far away we have wandered from Him, He patiently and longingly waits for us to take the first step and come to Him. Because of God 's agape love, no one is rejected from the love of Christ regardless of the severity of our sins. He only wants us to confess them and admit our guilt. "If we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Once we commit ourselves, life will be different and victorious. We'll view it with a light of hope that will not fade or dim as long as we stay focused on Christ, the helper against our adversaries. With Him, we no longer delay the advent of our struggles, but overcome them. Eighteen-year-old Joanna Sierra took that step of trust and faith. Born and raised in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn and then moving to Park Slope, she has been exposed to what seems like life's most difficult struggles. Although church had always been a part of her Sunday schedule, it was merely a routine and an ingrained habit, just like her life, until she started to put her faith in Christ. Now, she has grown tired of seeking fulfillment from the world, which she had once thought was sufficient, as seen in a recent interview:
Crossing Magazine: Before accepting Christ, how did you feel as a young adult?
Joanna: “I felt confused, like my life was out of proportion. Everything felt wrong and as if there wasn’t a purpose to it. There was always trouble.”
C: How did you come to know Christ?
J: “Recently at church my pastor was giving a sermon about eternal life and the rewards of it. He was talking about all the things of the world that people do that keeps us from going to heaven. Everything he said I thought about and realized the things I’ve done. I felt convicted and my life felt empty and going nowhere. I also attended lessons on “Becoming a Christian” after church which helped me learn more of the love Christ has for us and the joy we can find in Him.”
C: How has Christ changed your outlook on the world and do you still find pleasure in it?
J: “I view the world totally different. I now realize that the pleasures of the world gets you nowhere, that it’s all temporary. I don’t take any joy in the pleasures of the world anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I still have fun but I know how to have fun the right way.”
C: Many of our peers look at religion as too demanding and unfair. How could you relate to them before putting your life in Christ’s hand and what would you tell them now.
J: “I use to look at religion as unfair and too demanding as well. I didn’t feel it was realistic but impossible to keep his commandments without slipping. After all, we’re all human. I will tell them now that I know its not easy and I understand why there’s so many mixed emotions about religion. But you have to look at yourself and put you life in perspective. There is a Heaven and a Hell. Knowing Christ is beneficial for your soul and above all else, it’s the most important thing in the world. Dwelling on the pleasures of the world is wrong. You want the reassurance that when you past you will be with Christ. The Bible guides you there along with your faith.”
C: Was it hard giving up the pleasures of the world?
J: “Till this day I still fight temptations and slip from time to time but because you slip doesn’t mean its over. You just have to pray about it and ask him for forgiveness and to guide you through your temptations. Giving up the pleasures of the world was extremely difficult. It didn’t seem possible for me to do because there were so many things I loved to do. I didn’t want to let go of it because I felt that was what made me feel good and gave me joy. But then I came to realize that when all the joy was over, reality set back in. I didn’t want to live like that anymore. I grew tired of it and wanted joy that last forever and doesn’t go away over time.”
C: Do you regret it?
J: “No, not at all. How can you regret a decision that helps saves your soul? It’s the best feeling in the world and I’ve only tasted a bit of it.”
C: Could you have done it on your own?
J: “Definitely not! I’ve made numerous attempts on my own but repeatedly failed. We’re not strong enough to fight temptations on our own.”
C: What changes in your life has Christ made thus far?
J: “I’m able to resist things I’ve never would have been able to before. I still have a lot of work to do but just acknowledging that has been a change in my life. I had a “ghetto” lifestyle before and nothing would have phased me. It would have been just part of my routine. I’ve come to realize the wrong through Christ and even want to get baptized now. None of this would have been possible without Him.”
C: What joy do you find in Christ?
J: “Peace, joy, happiness, relief, comfort, protection, and a sense of purpose. There’s probably more that I left out.”
C: What encouragement can you give those around our age on avoiding the many temptations and pressure of the world?
J: “There’s hope for everyone regardless of circumstances or sins. Don’t be afraid of what people might say or think, pray and ask for forgiveness of your sins and for the strength to overcome it. Ask to be renewed each and everyday. Mean it from your heart and don’t say it just to say it. Be real and open. Jesus Christ loves everybody! He wants us to take the first step towards Him and he will meet us the rest of the way.”
There is a reason Christ suffered such a gruesome death and was condemned,
spit on, ridiculed, and humiliated in the process; it wasn't all pointless.
He undeservingly died for our acceptance, and most importantly, for
our eternal lives. On the cross, He bore our sins of the past and future.
He became the pascal lamb, paying our fine for our wrongdoings and shielding
us from the wrath of God that should rightfully be directed toward us.
Let’s not reject Him and forget His sacrifice by idolizing worldly ideals,
such as our accomplishments or money. This flicker of a world doesn’t
have answers to what will happen to us in the end. Only through our
Savior Jesus Christ are we guarenteed the comfort of eternity.
