In the Christian tradition, the concept of worldly amusements and pleasures often refers to activities and pursuits that are seen as contrary to the spiritual life and the teachings of the Bible. The saints, as exemplars of Christian virtue, are often depicted as shunning these worldly distractions in favor of a life devoted to God and spiritual growth.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible provides numerous admonitions against indulging in worldly pleasures. In 1 John 2:15-17 , believers are warned: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."

This passage highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and contrasts them with the eternal value of doing God's will. The desires of the flesh and eyes, along with pride, are seen as distractions that can lead believers away from their spiritual path.

The Example of the Saints

Throughout Christian history, saints have been revered for their commitment to a life of holiness, often characterized by a deliberate avoidance of worldly amusements. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently emphasizes the importance of living a life set apart from worldly influences. In Romans 12:2 , he exhorts believers: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

Saints are often portrayed as individuals who have heeded this call, choosing to focus on spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and service, rather than engaging in activities that might lead them away from their devotion to God.

Warnings Against Worldly Pleasures

The Bible contains several warnings about the dangers of succumbing to worldly pleasures. In James 4:4 , the apostle writes, "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God." This stark warning underscores the incompatibility of a life devoted to worldly pleasures with a life dedicated to God.

Similarly, in Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists the "acts of the flesh," which include "sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like." He warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The Call to Holiness

The call to shun worldly amusements is ultimately a call to holiness. In 1 Peter 1:14-16 , believers are urged: "As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

This call to holiness is a central theme in the lives of the saints, who are often seen as models of how to live a life that is pleasing to God, free from the entanglements of worldly pleasures. By focusing on spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness, the saints exemplify the Christian ideal of living in the world but not being of the world.1 Peter 4:3
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, parties, and abominable idolatries:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... To the suggestions of worldly prudence he paid no attention ... and was unwilling to
renounce the pleasures of sin ... from their duty by the cares and amusements of life ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Even the Pythagoreans shunned company of this kind and ... search for such delicacies
than pleasures the consumption ... he says, laid aside all worldly business and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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