Question: What does the bible have to say about a believer who just wants to have fun (excessive fun)? what are the consequences for such attitude?
Before I attempt to answer this question by the leading of the Holy-Spirit let me state categorically that God through the bible (His word) encourages us to find joy, enjoy life, and appreciate the blessings He has given us. Here are some verses from the New International Version (NIV) that highlight this viewpoint for you to meditate on;
- Ecclesiastes 2:24:
- “A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God.”
- Psalm 97:11-12:
- “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous; praise his holy name.”
- Psalm 118:24:
- “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
- Romans 8:1:
- “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
- John 3:16:
- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Remember that God desires our well-being as believers and invites us to experience joy and fulfilment in life through Him. Therefore it is imperative we obey His law on priority by Seeking Him first, Putting Him first and then enjoy the blessings He provides, and not the other way round!
Answer to the question above: The Bible provides guidance on the pursuit of enjoyment and fun, but it also warns against excessive indulgence and prioritizing pleasure above all else. Here are some verses and principles that address this topic:
- Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 (ESV): “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.”
- This passage from Ecclesiastes reflects the perspective of King Solomon as he explored pleasure and enjoyment. It highlights the futility of seeking fulfilment solely in earthly pleasures and warns against the emptiness of pursuing excessive fun.
- Proverbs 21:17 (ESV): “Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”
- This verse underscores the danger of prioritizing pleasure above responsibility and hard work. It suggests that those who are consumed by seeking enjoyment may neglect important aspects of life, leading to poverty, family break-down or spiritual impoverishment.
- 1 Timothy 5:6 (ESV): “But she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.”
- This verse warns against the spiritual consequences of living a life characterized by self-indulgence. It suggests that excessive pursuit of pleasure can lead to spiritual death, even if one is physically alive. Self-indulgence in behaviours and habits that are destructive such as smoking, drinking alcohol, using unprescribed drugs can lead to health impairment, financial impairment, social impairment and so on.
- Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV): “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- This passage lists excessive indulgence in pleasure, such as drunkenness and orgies, among the works of the flesh. It emphasizes that those who persist in such behaviour will not inherit the kingdom of God, highlighting the seriousness of indulging in excessive fun. In other words, you run a real risk of missing eternal life with God because of engaging in excessive pleasure.
- Remember excessive pleasure feeds the flesh (your sinful nature) and those who keep gratifying the flesh at all cost will reap corruption in the end (a life completely alienated from God) except they repent. Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV): “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
Overall, while the Bible acknowledges the value of enjoyment and fun, it also cautions against pursuing pleasure to the detriment of one’s spiritual well-being and responsibilities. Excessive indulgence in pleasure can lead to spiritual emptiness, poverty, and ultimately separation from God.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“
Feast of Light Word Ministry
