"IF IT FEELS GOOD......."

     In lieu of being directed by standards of right and wrong,
people are being told, "If it feels good, do it." Self restraint and
belief in absolutes of right and wrong are viewed as archaic and
restrictive to personal happiness. "Do whatever makes you feel good"
is "hedonism" -- the belief that the meaning of life is to gratify
personal pleasures. While psychiatrists have suggested many reasons
as to why crime is increasing and violent crimes have escalated above
all others, it appears to me that common sense about man's behavior
gives a sensible answer. Doing whatever feels good creates a society
bent on self destruction, because pursuing personal gratification
promotes disregard for the rights of others -- "might" not "right"
becomes the standard. Actually, it would be impossible to have a
totally self-indulgent populace -- it would destroy itself. Hedonism
can survive only in a society where the greater part of the populace
is not hedonistic.
     On the other hand, the hedonist becomes frustrated when he sees
something or someone standing in the way of his selfish pleasure. He
may believe that drugs, possessions, promiscuity, etc., will make him
happy so he cares not about how his behavior affects others. His
attitude is, "Give me what I want or I will take it." On the other
hand, people directed by respect for God and absolute standards of
right and wrong are frustrated by that attitude and behavior, because
one's personal property and rights are frequently violated by the
hedonist.  Self gratification at the expense of others thrives where
laws enacted for the good of the whole are not enforced.
     So, if "doing whatever makes you feel good" is not what life is
all about, then why does man exist? The only explanation that can
give true purpose to living and real self satisfaction comes from
following the Savior who died to save man, Jesus Christ. See: Isaiah
53; 1 Peter 2:24. His message teaches men to live unselfishly, to
lose their lives in service to God and others. See: John 12:25;
Matthew 16:24-26; Philippians 2:5-11. All other attempts to reform
society are like trying to dam us a flooded creek with a three-
strand, barbed wire fence.
    ---Jack Thompson, preacher for the White Park church of Christ.
                  (From an article by Jim Everett)

Return to Index
Home