The Pleasure Paradox

Young Gordon B. Hinckley was discouraged as a missionary in England. He wrote a letter complaining that he was doing little good and was wasting his time and money. His father, Bryant S. Hinckley, wrote blunt words that were filled with wisdom: “Forget yourself and go to work.” Elder Hinckley's response became a watershed moment. He went to his knees and promised God that he would forget himself and lose himself in the Lord’s service. Years later, after a lifetime of service, Elder Hinckley taught, “He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 588).

Jesus taught his disciples, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it" (New Living Translation, Matthew 10:39). The pleasure paradox is that once we devote ourselves to pleasure, we can't get enough of it. The selfish pursuit of pleasure is like an acid, eroding relationships and ultimately eroding our souls.

I have lived long enough to watch service-centered people reap the positive benefits, including a sense of joy and accomplishment from helping others. I have also watched self-centered people taste the bitter fruits of self-indulgence. Today's tabloids are filled with former child stars who lived only for themselves. Think of Lindsay Lohan. I have great sympathy for this talented actress. My goal is not to print salacious details but to point out how difficult her life has become by living only for herself. She has been in and out of rehab and has damaged many relationships.

Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus are other noteworthy examples of self-indulgence and slow self-destruction. We watch with sadness as these talented stars slowly spiral downward. Their destination is a table set for one. 

Viktor Frankl wrote in Man's Search for Meaning, "Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself." The bottom line is that pleasure is fine, but it's not the destination. Let's forget ourselves in the service of others. Ultimately, serving others can help us find ourselves and blossom in this life and in eternity.