Christian Hedonism - Pt 1

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:7-10 ESV).

My work in the area of counseling and life coaching has primarily been with people who are suffering as a result of some difficult circumstance, whether self-induced or not. I often remark that no one comes to me and asks for my help staying the same. Further I often begin the process of extricating ourselves from the pain of circumstance by going to our reading today. Jesus says, The thief comes in to steal and kill and destroy. I cam that they may have life and have it abundantly.” That brings me to this unalterable understanding that God’s will for me is to be happy. John Piper may be the most well-known reformed pastor who has made this claim of “Christian Hedonism.” He explains it in this way: Christian Hedonism is the conviction that God’s ultimate goal in the world (his glory) and our deepest desire (to be happy) are one and the same, because God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Not only is God the supreme source of satisfaction for the human soul, but God himself is glorified by our being satisfied in him. Therefore, our pursuit of joy in him is essential. Christian Hedonism claims that the Christian life should be the pursuit of maximum joy in God — joy both in quality and quantity. Fullness of joy and joy forevermore (Psalm 16:11) are found only in him. I certainly will acknowledge that the term “hedonism” attached to the word “Christian” is at least shocking; however, I believe that when we understand our calling into the grace of God through Christ’s atoning work, we must understand the truth that happiness is present, even in the most painful of circumstances. It cannot be minimized that emotions, the affections of the heart, matter just as much as the thoughts of our mind. And, of course, I am not an advocate of simply thinking happy thoughts as a means to happiness. So, over the next few days I hope to make the case that Christian faith, saving faith, is not merely intellectual assent to doctrines, but the entrance into a relationship of our heart with the heart of God. This is what will awaken us the truth that sets us free. This is what will allow someone to pursue satisfaction in God. This is what is truly rooted in glorifying God. That’s the real abundant life!