Caleb Bowen
I would consider myself a thrill seeker. Always adding to the list of crazy: skydiving, bungee jumping, swimming with sharks, motocross, mountain biking, snowboarding, surfing, sailboat racing, rock climbing, flying a plane, stupid games with friends, and more. Despite these “thrilling” activities, I’ve never broken a bone or needed stitches, only experiencing minor cuts and scrapes. There were scary moments, but I always felt protected and thanked the Lord for my safety. My love for adventure wasn’t about pushing limits or tempting fate; it was simply about enjoying these experiences, especially with family and friends.
At one point, I had to seriously check myself. Not only did the activities get crazier, but I realized I was creating more dangerous situations to make it crazier. I had to start pushing the limits to get the same dopamine hit. I was chasing the feeling of surviving the thrill. So, I began lessening the thrill, trying to enjoy the scenery, the smaller waves, sunrises and sunsets, etc… I now started chasing tranquility instead of the pandemonium, trying to find the next even more peaceful place. In one of my peaceful places, 1 John 2:15 came to mind.
“Do not love the world or the things 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 lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).
The Lord showed me in that moment that I was going about it all wrong. I was chasing these feelings instead of Him. I was trying to make my peacefulness. Every one of us has a Jesus-sized hole in our hearts. I was not allowing Jesus to fill that empty space in my heart. I was prideful of the things I had accomplished, the perfect waves I’d caught, the big fish I speared, and the jump I landed. None of those things had true peace or joy in them. They definitely had a feeling of happiness and excitement, but nothing lasting. The Lord showed me that joy and peace are fruits of the Spirit, not things you can find in the world.
Paul says in Galatians 5:22, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” In Ephesians 2:14 he says, “For He Himself is our peace…” Jesus says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” Again, in Numbers 6:26, “The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” There are so many scriptures telling us that God is our peace and joy. We must go to Him. We have to abide in the Lord continually to get our fill, instead of rummaging around in this world trying to get a fake substitute for joy and peace.
Yes, we live in the world, “…but you are not of this world…” (John 15:19). I am not saying we can’t enjoy God’s creation, on the contrary. We are spirit beings in a body of flesh and blood. Not the other way around. Enjoying God’s creation through His Spirit is fulfilling and lasting. It becomes worshiping God in His creation rather than worshiping His creation as god. Strive for the fruit of the Spirit, not only for the benefit of those around you, but for your benefit as well.
“The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
(Image By: Casey Crusciano)
