Those moments of pleasure and joy are not simply rewards of some entitled birth. They are the gifts are the foundation of faithful memories in well-living. What then of the challenges? Are they dismissed then or most aptly forgotten as the unpleasant remnant of distaste? Do they represent those challenges or detraction from the gift set of living? Maturity arguably occurs when the challenges are viewed as equal or greater reward measured against those times of joy and pleasure. Why? Because, they represent the stark, truth that life is not just about the sweet test of sensory activation but the prompting and catalyst of growth toward what lies ahead.

Each infant begins to crawl, but the emphasis or goal is to stand. As muscles build, coordination, balance and desire combine we find ourselves unlike all other mammals walking erect, in physicality not simply thought. My pleasures may be of mind or matter. Equally those times of trial lead to increased thinking capacity, improved emotional response, physical strengthening and yet may deliver the greatest impact in Spiritual maturation. This destination demands courage and hope to stand against coming catalyst to reach performance beyond previous possibility.

We as men and women are most truly increased when we learn and joyfully meet those trials set before with the certain understanding of our obvious improvement in endurance. In fact, those who shy from, avoid or lack the courage to resist fear and flight in facing these trials are viewed in disappointment. Why then are men so pent upon residing in constant pleasure absent any conflict? Why is conflict the basis for any good novel, play or movie and without such impetus viewed with boredom? Does this realization shock? That we actually find challenge and conflict essential to good living?

In faith, it is the man and woman who meet their challenges with joy that prevail. We excel when desiring the test, quest and venture of body and mind. To wrote, God enters the fray of the man who meets life’s challenge with joyous expectation through provision of the “Fruits” of His Sovereign Spirit to aid in the maturation and achievement of man’s stretching beyond the norm and now. He even promises peace that will somehow dull the sting and severity of the obstructions, pain or difficulties. Why then must we reach beyond the sensory expectation of eye, flesh and desire to achieve greater growth and reward of life not simply lived in pleasure but one that is transformed perhaps more by pain, endurance and effort?

Because sin or pleasure is easy and requires self-maintenance. Embracing challenge and change is a determined mindset seeking that which is beyond routine found in hunger, sight, lasciviousness and touch. What then is the drive to stand firmly and joyfully in the expectation of test and challenge? Certainly a man must not believe in God to want something more for himself? Even evil will test itself to gain muscle, power and dominion of mind and matter. Why then is joy the crux in reaching the sweetest existence? For the Joy of the Lord is our strength. As we seek to do the impossible, then miracle is our expectation. And miracle is only found in the Hand of God as is the offer and acceptance of eternity. So we stand in that knowledge, hope and determination to reach that which extends beyond us. We seek to be changed into something beyond sensory fulfillment, a quest to meet, know and resemble our Creator, God.