It was Jerry Rubin in the late 1960s who coined the watchword of the existential society. He said, “If it feels good, do it.”
Sensory pleasure has always been an irresistible part of human living, whether delicious food or exciting music or some other sensual experience – people today have an insatiable desire to please themselves. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul says that there will be “perilous times” in the last days, because people will be totally self-indulgent. He begins by saying, “For [people] will be lovers of their own selves and lovers of money…” Then he ends by saying that they will be “…lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
Like the words, “lovers of self” and “lover of money,” the word “lover of pleasures” is a compound of the word phil, which means “lover of.” “Lover of pleasures” is the word philédonos, and the édonos part means “pleasure and enjoyment in the sense of sensual delight.” Usually this word is used in an unfavorable sense and it is sometimes translated by the word “lust.”
Now what this is saying is that the last days’ culture will be characterized by an unprecedented indulgence in pleasure. So, just think about what our society is like: Drugs are a big problem (as people seek to escape from reality); illicit sexuality and pornography are pervasive; spectator sports is huge, as is addiction to television, Hollywood movies, and videos; eating out and fast-food restaurants have replaced the family meal; fantasy vacations and cruises are the dream of every American; and adults have their toys – just like the kids (only they cost more).
Listen! As you think about it, we’re the most self-indulgent people that have ever lived on earth! “For people shall be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
Say – God isn’t against pleasure. He just wants you to find your pleasure in Him.