For many years I had over 40 pieces of paper on my office wall that had quotations on them. Some sheets had multiple quotes, so I probably had anywhere from 50-60 total quotations on the wall. These sheets of paper were literally taped on the wall and I put them in a place where if I looked up from my desk, then I would see them. I wanted them where I could see them easily so that I could be reminded of the wisdom of the past that others, either in person or through books or articles, etc., had passed along to me. There is some biblical evidence of having some physical reminders in place to remind you of the Bible (see Deuteronomy 6:9, Proverbs 7:3, etc.). It’s a good thing to be reminded of the most important things in life. I actually have a quotation that has helped me to keep those quotations, and here it is: “Wise is he that learns from his own mistakes, but even wiser is the one that learns from the mistakes of others.” I wanted these quotes on my wall so I could prevent mistakes that others have made in the past, but also so I could improve and grow in holiness and in faithfulness to God, to my family, and to what He has called me to do.
Let me share with you one quote with you that has meant something to me:
“Sin is the enemy of pleasure” (“Pure Pleasure” book by Gary Thomas).
We often think that sin is the gateway to pleasure, but, in actuality, sin is the ENEMY of pleasure. Pursuing pleasure in a sinful way is actually the way of misery, not pleasure. We are certainly given by God many things to legitimately enjoy on this earth, but unless we pursue those pleasures in the ways that He has prescribed, our pursuit will be ultimately counterproductive to the goal of “pleasure.” I think that we often forget that God Created pleasure and that He intended for many things on this planet to be pleasurably enjoyed by us including sex, food, and friendships, so God is not against pleasure, but He is For pleasure. However, He only for pleasure in the ways which He has prescribed pleasure to operate. In other words, there are ways to wrongly enjoy or use pleasure, which, ultimately, won’t be pleasurable in the end. We must always remember that “Before you remove a fence, ponder first why it was put there.” We could fall into the trap of thinking that fences are “limiting” our freedom. We may look at a tall fence and be curious as to what’s on the other side and tempted to take it down. What we may not realize is that the fence was put there for our protection and so that we can enjoy the freedom within the fences. It is only within God-prescribed boundaries that we are able to enjoy our God-given desires to their fullest.
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YOUR TURN (I’d love to hear from you!)
- What quotes or quotations (in the Bible, or otherwise) have been helpful to you in your life, and what do you think of the quote I’ve posted above?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter! Just comment below in the box! You can also subscribe to my blog in the “Subscribe to Billy’s Blog via Email” section on the right, top section of the website.
I remember dear brother, in your car you would have these sticky notes all over your dashboard with all sorts of things written all over them lol.
I too love quotes, inspiring, encouraging words from others who have “been there and done that.” Things that make your brain think.
I have quite a collection of quotes myself that I have gathered over the years, saved in my phone, computers, tablets, written in various places, hung on the fridge or on the wall. I would say C.S Lewis and Mother Teresa are in my top favorites (and of course God’s word !!)
I love that C.S Lewis makes me think, and I love the pure simple act of love and kindness that Mother Teresa expresses.
” I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”Mother Teresa
“There should be less talk; a preaching point is not a meeting point. What do you do then? Take a broom and clean someone’s house. That says enough.”Mother Teresa
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”C.s Lewis
“I have found a desire within myself that no experience in this world can satisfy; the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” C.s Lewis.
So those are a few of mine.
Thoughts on pleasures and those boundaries that God places. Life is meant to be enjoyed, God is the creator of all things, laughter, roller coasters, and sex! He wants us to enjoy our lives. But he also wants us to put Him first, he wants us to love Him more. I believe if you spend real solid quality time with God and you invite Him into your daily life, the Holy Spirit speaks loudly enough in a small tug to our spirit letting us know what is good for us and not good for us. And defiant as we are, like little children, its for our own good to listen when the Holy Spirit is speaking
I’d forgotten about all those sticky notes in my car! Thank you for sharing these quotes too. Do you remember if those sticky notes in my car were ToDos or quotes or what? I can’t really remember! It’s a sign of old-ish age setting in!