“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
Christian Hedonism starts with a surprising line in Hebrews 12:2: Jesus endured the cross “for the joy that was set before him.” Read the full verse in the English Standard Version. The idea behind the phrase, popularized by pastor John Piper, is that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.
Christian Hedonism: joy as a holy motive
David Mathis of Desiring God points out that Jesus did not face the cross out of grim duty alone. He looked past the suffering to the gladness waiting on the other side: the Father’s work finished and people redeemed. He knew the cost, and he counted the joy greater.
Jesus was fully human, with real desires, and his joy was always holy and aligned with his Father’s will. If joy drove him, it is not selfish for us to seek our deepest gladness in God.
That is why Christian Hedonism is not self-indulgence. It does not chase pleasure for its own sake. It says that the deepest and most lasting gladness is found in God himself, and that enjoying him is part of honoring him.
3 ways to live Christian Hedonism today
For men today, this changes everything. You may feel pressure to push through life on willpower: grind at work, shoulder family responsibilities and serve your church without expecting to enjoy any of it. Duty without delight.
The joy Jesus knew was not the shallow pleasure the world offers. It was the steady satisfaction of being loved by God and fully known. That same joy is available to you.
1. In your work. Look for the satisfaction of providing for your family and serving others through your gifts.
2. In your relationships. Find the gladness of being known and loved by the people closest to you.
3. In your faith. Pursue the pleasure of knowing God, and the contentment that comes from trusting him when life is hard.
Suffering will come, and your joy does not disappear when it does. It anchors you. As Jesus endured the cross with his eyes on the joy ahead, you can face loss, disappointment and pain because God is good and his joy is lasting. For more on loving others from that foundation, read our 1 John 4 devotional for men.
Reflection questions
Take a few quiet minutes with these questions on Christian Hedonism and the joy of Jesus.
- Where are you living on duty alone, without expecting any real joy?
- What would change if you believed that seeking joy in God honors him rather than competing with him?
- How might fixing your eyes on Jesus change the way you face a difficult situation right now?
A prayer for today
Father, thank you for showing us through Jesus that joy is not optional in the Christian life. It is central. Help me today to find my satisfaction in you, not as a luxury I do not deserve, but as the very thing that honors you most. When the weight of duty presses down, remind me of the deeper joy available in your presence.
Strengthen my eyes to stay fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of my faith, so that I can endure with gladness, knowing that you are good and your joy is real. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Share this devotional with a friend who needs encouragement today. Looking for more? Browse our daily devotional on courage and devotional on forgiveness, or visit the religion section.
