the pleasures of the kingdom

Matthew 6:22-34, 7:13-29; Luke 11:34-36, 12:22-32

"Through the natural eyes men see the light which guides them in their physical existence, through their spiritual eyes the spiritual light which leads to eternal life. As long as the natural eyes are unimpaired, men can see and be guided by the light of day; and as long as the spiritual eyes are sing to the glory of God--that is, as long as they are undimmed by sin and are focused solely on righteousness--men can view and understand the things of the Spirit. But if apostasy enters and the spiritual light turns to darkness, 'how great is that darkness!'" McConkie, V. 1, p. 240

"Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich." Doctrine and Covenants 11:7

Worldliness and sin turn our loyalty and service away from God. As Jesus neared the end of this Sermon on the Mount that we've been considering for the last two weeks, He taught the way to the kingdom of heaven and eternal life is narrow. However, the seemingly easy way, the worldly way, the way to destruction is broad. I've found that it is less stressful, that life is more peaceful and pleasurable, when I act as the wise man and build my foundation upon Jesus Christ and His teachings, Helaman 5:12. The foolish or unknowing build their lives upon worldliness or careers or possessions, never finding true happiness or pure pleasure.