What is a Christian hedonist?

Christian Hedonist

I developed this term through John Piper and his book “Desiring God.” There are a few reasons
why I decided to claim this title as well. It is definitely has nothing to do with a new heresy, religion, or a
denomination. I am indeed a Biblical Christian at heart. And I seek truth and sound doctrine throughout
the Bible.

To me the term “Christian” has really lost its true meaning. There are so many false Christians
and then also true Christians with different view points on different doctrines. So depending on how you
define a “Christian” the meaning could very well be very broad. Many believe Catholicism, Mormonism,
Jehovah Witnesses, are true Christians. There are many deceived Christians that are in the right church
but are lost through their own self-righteousness. Even among some denominations; I differ greatly with
certain doctrines. I can’t really claim a certain denomination because I haven’t really dealt with all the
doctrinal views among each denomination. As I study the word of God more thoroughly, I believe God’s
word will pick my denomination for me or not.

Hedonism

A Hedonist is simply someone who pursues pleasure, happiness, or the devotion to pleasure as a
way of life. Pleasure is not God’s competition, idols are. Pleasure is the gauge that measures how valuable
someone or something is to us. What we find pleasure in is the treasure of our life.

God does not desire us to be unhappy. God desires us to be happy in Him. Everyone seeks
happiness, it’s a given, even those that commit suicide. Eternal life is knowing God and enjoying Him
forever. (John 17:3)

Seeking your own happiness sounds self-centered, but if a Christian truly embraces God we must
find delight and happiness in Him. Where are heart is, that is where are treasure is. If we treasure God
most, we glorify Him most.

If a friend tells you, “I really enjoy being with you,” you certainly wouldn’t accuse him of being
self-centered. Why? Simply, because your friends happiness in you is the evidence that you have a high
value in his heart. This is also true with God. If God is our greatest happiness then God is our highest
treasure, therefore it makes us radically God-centered and not self-centered.

The Bible commands us to delight in the Lord. (Psalm 37:4) Jesus taught us to love God more
than money because our heart is where our treasure is. (Matt. 6:21) Paul teaches us that gaining Christ is
worth the loss of everything. (Phil. 3:8) If we don’t find delight in God, God could very well condemn us
in seeking happiness elsewhere. (Jer. 2:13)

We were created by God and for Him to enjoy Him forever. (Col. 1:18) It is our nature to seek
and pursue happiness. The question is; what or who are you pursuing for happiness. Anything outside of
Christ is indeed idol worship.

Mar. 4, 2010 DwellingWithGod.com By Jay Gheen

 In conclusion a “Christian Hedonist” is someone who seeks pleasure, happiness, and delight in
the true nature, being, and person of God. And the purest form of seeking Him is by the thorough study of
His revealed word.

Mar. 4, 2010 DwellingWithGod.com By Jay Gheen