Finally, there are life's "pleasures." Some of life's pleasures would be included in the "riches" that have just been mentioned. But the word "pleasures" that Jesus used is the Greek word hedone from which we get our English term hedonism. It has to do with sensual delight and lust. It is desiring those things that God would forbid, that are unholy. It would include things such as sexual immorality. God created sexual pleasure for man's enjoyment, but when man seeks it apart from the bonds of marriage, it becomes lust and will lead him away from any real relationship with God.
Another pleasure might simply be the pleasure of pleasure itself. Spending time with God involves discipline. It is not something we will always "feel" like doing. If a person lives life just for pleasure, he will never have a vibrant relationship with the Lord. It was a sacrifice for Jesus to rise early and spend time with His heavenly Father. His body did not welcome losing sleep, but His spirit soared after the sacrifice was made. It will be the same with us. We must make whatever sacrifice is necessary to feed our souls.
Read Part I, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI or Part VII.
