Christian Living

---

Sitting in the massage chair and wondering about the temporariness of its effects. The massage of muscles and nerves feels good for sure while it is happening, and the relaxation it brings lasts a little longer, so its worth the time invested. But before long though the pleasant sensations are forgotten and even the relaxation fades with the day's stresses and tensions. Far too soon then, another visit to the magic chair is required.

How much of ministry in word and music in our churches is no more than momentary titillation, "tickling" of ears and other parts, with no lasting effects to show for it? How many of the pews are vibrating like massage chairs? Nothing is forever changed as a result of it. When told how much the audience enjoyed the intial performance of "Messiah", Handel was more concerned whether anyone had been transformed. I would have been delighted but he, apparently, would have preferred they not enjoy it so much, if it meant their lives were changed by it.

There is much to be said for enjoying our faith walk, after all, as the Westminster Catechism says, our purpose and chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, but part of glorifying Him is being transformed from glory to glory into the image of His Son. There is such a thing as a spiritual or religous hedonist. As with so many other things, it's a matter of balance, in this case between pleasure and application.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR