Many Christians seem to have the idea that since we are to be in the world, but not of the world that we must be totally miserable during our time on earth. While it is true that we should not be too wrapped up in the things of this world, we must also remember that God created this world for mankind. When He had finished He declared it to be ‘very good’ and beyond this He prepared a garden that was probably even a little nicer than the rest for Adam and Eve to live in. There were those in the middle ages who went so far as to beat themselves in order to avoid the dangerous sin of enjoying life. We may not go that far today, but there are some who like to beat down others at the first sign of enjoyment.
We must realize that even though it is possible to get too involved in this life, most of the time the man made things are what we get to involved in, not the creation itself. Paul warns us in Romans the first chapter that there are those who worship the creature rather than the creator. He also in that same section lets us know that we can know at least that there is a God and a powerful one by examining the universe around us. (Rom 1:19-20) ”Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. {20} For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (Rom 1:25) “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
Jesus pulled illustrations out of nature in order to teach spiritual truths and so did many of the prophets. When God gave His children a land He didn’t just give them any land, but He gave them a land flowing with milk and honey. Solomon said: “ He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. {12} I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. {13} And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.” (Eccl 3:11-13). Paul also confirms this to Timothy: (1 Tim 6:17) “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”. God created a marvelous world for us to enjoy and we should enjoy it while we are here.
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us in Heaven and it will be more beautiful and more spectacular than anything here. There won’t be any grumpy people up there, so why not practice being joyful and enjoying what God has created now in order to prepare yourself for Heaven.