Does a Christian have to feel guilty for enjoying earthly pleasures?

I received this email from Colin, a site reader with an interesting question:

Here is a brief summary of my position: I live in a middle class family and, although we are not at all extravagant in our expenses, we have the normal objects found in such a family. I go to a university college where I am training to become a teacher. Again, I would say that I live a reasonably not excessive student life. For the most part, I have always believed in God and recently tried to live a more Christian lifestyle. Because of this, I became interested in being more ethical with the things I buy, for example, fair trade food or recycling.

Recently, however, I have questioned my lifestyle and whether it is necessary or not. By this I mean that I'm not sure I feel guilty about having so much when there are people in the world who have so little. Like I said, I feel I am trying to moderate things and I try never to spend frivolously.

My question, therefore, is this: is it right to enjoy the things I am lucky enough to have, be they objects, friends or even food? Or should I feel guilty and perhaps try to give up most of these? "

I read in your insightful article: "Common misconceptions about new Christians". In it there are these 2 points related to this question:

Misunderstanding 9 - Christians should not enjoy any earthly pleasure.
I believe that God created all the good, healthy, fun and entertaining things we have on this earth as a blessing for us. The key is not holding these earthly things too tightly. We must grasp and enjoy our blessings with the palms of our hands open and tilted upwards. "
- I believe that too.

Misunderstanding 2 - Becoming a Christian means giving up all my fun and following a life of rules.
A joyless existence of mere compliance with the rules is not true Christianity and the abundant life that God means for you. "
- Again, this is a feeling with which I very much agree.

In conclusion, my feelings right now are that I should try to help others as much as possible while continuing my current lifestyle. I would greatly appreciate any of your reflections on these feelings.

Thanks again,
Colin

Before we begin my answer, let's establish a biblical background for James 1:17:

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above, descends from the Father of heavenly lights, which does not change like the shadows that move." (NIV)

So, should we feel guilty for enjoying earthly pleasures?
I believe that God created the earth and all it contains for our pleasure. God wants us to enjoy all the beauty and wonder that He has created. The key, however, is always to hold onto the gifts of God with open hands and open hearts. We must be willing to let go whenever God decides to take away one of those gifts, whether it's a loved one, a new home or a steak dinner.

Job, the man of the Old Testament, enjoyed great wealth from the Lord. He was also considered a righteous man by God. When he lost everything he said in Job 1:21:

“I was born naked from my mother's womb
and when I leave I will be naked.
The Lord gave me what I had
and the Lord took him away.
Praise the name of the Lord! "(NLT)

Thoughts to consider
Maybe God is leading you to live with less for a purpose? Perhaps God knows that you will find greater joy and enjoyment in a less complicated life, free from material things. On the other hand, perhaps God will use the blessings you have received as a witness of his goodness to your neighbors, friends and family.

If you look for it daily and seriously, it will lead you with your conscience, that calm inner voice. If you trust him with open hands, your palms tilted in praise for his gifts, always offering them back to God if he should ask for them, I believe your heart will be guided by his peace.

Could God call a person to a life of poverty and sacrifice for a purpose - one that brings glory to God - while calling another person to a life of financial abundance, also for the purpose of bringing glory to God? I think the answer is yes. I also believe that both lives will be equally blessed and full of the joy of obedience and a sense of fulfillment in living in the will of God.

One last thought: perhaps there is only a little guilt in the enjoyment of the pleasure felt by all Christians? This could be to remind us of Christ's sacrifice and God's grace and goodness. Perhaps guilt is not the right word. A better word could be gratitude. Colin said this in a subsequent email:

"On reflection, I think maybe there will always be a small sense of guilt, however this is beneficial, as it serves to remind us of the gifts you are talking about."