What brings me pleasure? From what do I derive it? What do I do for enjoyment, entertainment, and/or fun?

Two of my answers require from me particular caution and vigilance: reading and Web browsing. If I had TV or some other sort of video, the challenge would be magnified for me.

That’s why a piece of 2 Thessalonians 2:12 serves me well as both a warning and a reminder:

“…Had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

I’m not talking about books and other sources whose primary focus is sin, although they are certainly included.

I’m talking about pleasure sources that may be amoral or even moral for the most part but have unrighteousness scattered through them.

I know, I know. Life is life, and life has loads of unrighteousness through it.

But why must my “entertainment” present it?

To be more interesting and realistic.

Fine. My concern stands.

This is a strike against many of contemporary Christian novels.

(Oooops! This post sounds more like a mini-sermon than mere personal devotional meanderings.)

“And to you who are troubled rest with us…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7).

I like that. Sometime I shall receive the recompense of a righteous God (v 6) — rest!

Then I get to the rest of the verse, and I say, “Please! Not yet! Some people I love aren’t ready yet.”

“…when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (7,8).

So I admit it — I want this grand event to wait.

Question is: What will I do with the “extra” time while God in His grace and patience waits?