Proceeding Without Pleasure
Thomas More relays the incident when Lord Ellensborough, the presiding judge in a court case sat listening to a boring presentation by a lawyer. The lawyer asked, "Is it the pleasure of the court that I should proceed with my statement?" The judge replied, "Pleasure has been out of the question for a long time, but you may proceed." It was a striking remark but profound; an important principle. Many people live on the pleasure principle. If it feels good, do it. But when it comes to doing what's right, pleasure is out of the question. Whether you should proceed in a certain direction or action in life has nothing to do with pleasure, but everything to do with is it right? Is it God's will? You can't have it both ways. What is pleasurable is not always right and what is right is not always pleasurable. If you live seeking pleasure, you would live a life that was neither righteous nor pleasurable. For when it comes to goodness, put away pleasure and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness for that is the pleasure of God. And your life will be filled with joy.
From Message #1191 - The Pleasure Principle
Today seek not to go on the pleasure principle - but on the righteousness principle - Don't do what feels good or avoid what feels bad - do what's right no matter what.
