A recent article in Newsweek highlighted the fact that young people in the U.S.A. who have serious chronic health conditions (for example, diabetes, asthma and food allergies) sometimes stop taking their medications when they go away from home, usually to university. They want to be like other people who do not have to be concerned about such things and to pursue their lifestyle without having constantly to think about their health. Others may take their medication sporadically, or even forget their medication on certain occasions, such as when playing sports. Still others take huge risks by eating questionable things which they know may cause a fatal allergic reaction.
While we may deplore such irresponsible behavior, we must recognize that this attitude is found in all age groups, although perhaps manifesting itself in different ways. Mature adults may take their health more seriously, yet indulge in a lifestyle that results in crippling debt, with no foreseeable ability to pay it off. Still others may take other risks with their health, such as overeating or drinking to excess. Some may take their health seriously, yet live like the rich man in Luke 12, who gave no thought to anything beyond this life. While such things have always been a problem in society, there is no doubt that it has greatly accelerated in the past twenty or thirty years.
Present Pleasure or Future Gain
What is promoting this thought pattern? I believe we find the answer in the Word of God. This kind of behavior is part of a larger problem—one which has its roots in the rejection of God’s claims, with only this world as its horizon. When the Corinthians were being taught by some that there was no resurrection, Paul told them where such thinking would lead. Among other things, he pointed out to them that if there were no resurrection, then it would be quite in order for us to adopt an attitude of “let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die” (1 Cor. 15:32). It is natural to the heart of man to want immediate gratification of his wishes, and Satan used this to advantage in tempting Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. The neglect and abuse of our bodies may not always result in serious consequences, but again, it is a symptom of a deeper problem and a wrong attitude toward God. When we see the greater meaning of our existence and the fact that we are responsible to God for our conduct, we are able to forego immediate pleasure in favor of future gain.
Perspectives of Resurrection
The truth of resurrection brings two things clearly before us, and both will have an effect on us, whether we are saved or lost. First of all, resurrection brings before us the fact that God has “appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead” (Acts 17:3131Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:31)). The resurrection of Christ assures us that God will judge this world and that all must one day stand before God. We cannot do as we wish, for we are God’s creatures, and He created us for His purpose (Rev. 4:1111Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)). It is a solemn thought that He holds us responsible for how we have lived our lives and will ultimately require us to give account to Him.
Second, for the believer, resurrection gives us the certainty of our salvation and also brings before us the rectification of all things. Since Christ has risen from the dead, we have the assurance of God’s satisfaction with His work on the cross. We have the assurance, not only of our salvation, but also of our being raised when He comes. Of course, those who are alive at the Lord’s coming will not need to be raised, for Scripture says, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Cor. 15:51).
Also, in owning God’s rightful King now, we follow One who is rejected, but who will one day be owned as “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:1616And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)). When He takes His rightful place, we will be displayed with Him. In resurrection all will be made right, and “if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him” (2 Tim. 2:12). In view of such a glorious future, we may well be willing to suffer down here and to put up with bodily ailments and a curtailing of certain things in our lifestyle, for we are building for eternity, not for time.
The Persuasion of Satan
Sad to say, Satan has persuaded many to enjoy “the pleasures of sin for a season” rather than to build for eternity. Among unbelievers, he has gradually worked in men’s hearts to create an amoral society, where there are no recognized absolutes and where life has lost its true meaning. In such an atmosphere, it is not surprising that some are taking risks with their health and refusing to put up with inconveniences in their lives. If the devil can persuade men that there is nothing beyond this world and no lasting meaning to life, then present gratification makes sense. In this way, “evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33).
Even among believers, it is easy to fall prey to Satan’s wiles and to live for time instead of eternity. But if Christ is before us and we see clearly what resurrection means, it will give us grace and energy to follow a rejected Christ, while waiting for that day when we shall be displayed with Him. “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory” (Col. 3:44When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)).
W. J. Prost