Let me start with a confession: I am a Christian Hedonist.

Not because it sounds edgy or provocative, but because it captures the deepest truth about how we glorify God: By enjoying Him forever.

Christian Hedonism is not a trendy twist on theology. It’s a biblical way of life rooted in a profound truth: God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him! That’s it. That’s the heartbeat. When we pursue our greatest joy in Christ, we don’t dishonor Him—we magnify Him.

In our new young church, this truth shapes how we worship, how we preach, how we parent, how we suffer, and how we serve. So today, I want to explain what Christian Hedonism is, why it matters, and why I believe you should embrace it too.

 

What Is Christian Hedonism?

Let’s be honest—the term “hedonism” might make you flinch. It typically conjures up images of wild indulgence and selfish pleasure. But Christian Hedonism turns that idea on its head.

• Christian Hedonism is the conviction that the pursuit of true, lasting joy is not only not sinful—it is essential to the Christian life.
• It teaches that the desire to be happy is not a competitor to holiness—it’s the pathway to it.
• It insists that God is most glorified in us not when we serve Him out of guilt or grim resolve, but when we delight in Him above all else.
• It’s not about making pleasure the goal—it’s about making God our pleasure.

 

A Biblical Case for Christian Hedonism

Christian Hedonism isn’t some theological novelty. It flows from the Bible:

• Psalm 16:11 – “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
• Matthew 13:44 – “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field… then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
• Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
• Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Notice the theme? Over and over, Scripture commands us—not suggests, commands us—to be joyful in God.

 

The Heart of the Matter: Joy Is Not Optional

Some might think of joy as an “extra” in the Christian life—something nice if you have time for it. But Christian Hedonism insists that joy is central to how we relate to God.

Here’s why: God Commands Us to Delight in Him! We’re not just permitted to enjoy God—we’re called to.

When Jesus summarized the law, He said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” What is love without joy? What is love without treasuring, delighting, enjoying?

Christian Hedonism insists that obedience without affection is incomplete. God wants our hearts, not just our hands.

 

God Is Glorified When We’re Satisfied in Him

Think about it: when someone asks what you value most, you naturally talk about what you enjoy most.

If I say I love my wife but never delight in her—never praise her, never seek time with her—my words are hollow. But when I delight in her, I honor her. It’s the same with God. When we enjoy Him above everything else—more than success, comfort, approval, or possessions—we show the world that He is worthy. That’s what glorifying God really means: making His worth visible through our joy in Him.

 

Desire for Joy Isn’t Sinful—It’s Designed

The human longing for happiness isn’t something we need to kill—it’s something we need to redeem. God wired us for joy. The problem isn’t that we want too much pleasure—it’s that we settle for too little.

As C.S. Lewis once said, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us.” Christian Hedonism says: stop settling for lesser joys. Run after the greatest joy—God Himself.

 

Christian Hedonism in Real Life

So what does this look like in the daily grind of life, ministry, parenting, marriage, and suffering?

In Worship: We sing not out of habit, but because our souls are responding to beauty. True worship happens when our hearts are stirred by the worth of God. Worship is not a duty—it’s a feast.

In Obedience: We don’t obey to earn God’s love or avoid guilt—we obey because we believe God’s way is the most joyful way to live. Holiness isn’t about saying “no” to pleasure. It’s about saying “yes” to better pleasure.

In Suffering: Even in sorrow, Christian Hedonism shines. Paul could rejoice in tribulation not because pain is good—but because Christ is better. Joy in God sustains us when the world breaks down around us.

In Community: Christian joy is contagious. When our people see us loving Jesus deeply—not just talking about Him, but enjoying Him—they are drawn in. They want that kind of faith. That kind of joy becomes a testimony.

 

Common Objections

I know what some of you might be thinking. “Isn’t this selfish? Shouldn’t we be focused on God, not on our own joy?” Yes—and that’s the entire point.

Christian Hedonism says the way we honor God is by finding joy in God. Our joy is not a rival to God’s glory—it’s the means of glorifying Him. The desire for joy only becomes sinful when we pursue it apart from Him.

 

Why This Matters for Our Church

As a church plant, we don’t have all the bells and whistles. But we do have something the world can’t offer: deep, soul-satisfying joy in Jesus Christ. That’s our foundation. That’s what we invite our neighbors into. That’s why we preach, sing, gather, serve, and send.

We’re not trying to impress anyone. We’re trying to help people treasure Christ. Christian Hedonism shapes our church because it keeps us centered on what truly matters: delighting in God, and helping others do the same.

 

An Invitation

If you’re tired of religious routines, exhausted by performance, or numb to duty-based Christianity… and if you’re longing for something richer, deeper, truer… Come.

Come taste and see that the Lord is good. Come find the kind of joy that doesn’t evaporate when life gets hard. Come discover what it means to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.

This is Christian Hedonism. This is the kind of Christian I want to be. And I believe it’s the kind of Christian God wants you to be too.