Reading or hearing about how life "might" be, beyond mortality, we think of the great advantages of being out of these bodies. To no longer have the aches and pains of an aging, deteriorating body? How free we will feel! To no longer be subject to cancer, MS, cystic fibrosis, AIDS, malaria, broken bones, sprained ankles? Wonderful! "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed..." (The words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:50-51, made famous in Handel's Messiah.) We can only guess at what life might be like unbridled by corruptible bodies. We won't need cars or airplanes because we will be able to go from place to place as the resurrected Jesus did. We won't need food because our bodies will no longer be "quickened" by blood but by the spirit. We don't know exactly how that works, but that is what will prevent us from being subject to disease. We don't even know exactly what happens with sexual intercourse. How did God create us as His spirit children? Is there such a thing as a spiritual climax? It seems to me that would be a weakness not requisite in being like God.
But that same blood which carries pathogens to cause diseases we dread, also carries earthly pleasures like alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and other recreational substances. If we depend on those things now to enjoy ourselves, what will happen when we can no longer receive that high? When we no longer will have bodies that are subject to injury and we can travel at will, what happens to those whose self-image relies on their speed to run or strength to lift weights or flexibility and agility in using their muscles? Even the thrill of adrenalin will be gone. We no longer will need the fear or flight boost. So what happens to those who delight in the thrill of bungee jumping or roller coaster rides? The economy of God relies not on a gold standard. He made it and can make more. There are no wealthy or poor. So what happens to those who fight depression by shopping and acquiring nice things? There will be no competition to have the loveliest home or most exciting car.
Don't get me wrong, God really, really wants us to be happy. He just knows better than we do exactly how to be happy, not just momentarily thrilled or comforted. Wanting us to overcome lust, greed, or any such "natural man" elements is NOT about being judged by Him. It's not about coming up to His standards to "earn" His love and approval. We cannot be happy with Him if we cannot be happy without a beer or a cigarette or a shopping trip or a hot motorcycle or parachute jump. Our physical bodies were never intended to be the end of us. These bodies are simply to give us experience so we can know for ourselves pleasure and pain, right and wrong, evil and good- all apart from Him. We are all on our own, unless of course we ask for His influence and help. Our mortal lives WILL END- every single one of us. So, what then? Some may choose to believe there isn't anything beyond this despite the witnesses of prophets and many who have had near death experiences. That is a choice anyone can make. But what if death isn't the end? What if you have the same cravings and dependencies beyond the physical body to satisfy them?
God created plants, animals, rivers, lakes, mountains- all to beautify the earth- for US to enjoy. It's not that we should find no pleasure during mortality. But it would behoove us to ponder exactly what pleasures to pursue and to what limits that might be beneficial rather than harmful.
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