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In Greek mythology, the Lotophagi, or lotus-eaters, was a race of people from an island near North Africa. Lotus fruits and flowers were the dominant plant life on the island and the primary source of food for its inhabitants, a peaceful, apathetic people calmed by the plant’s narcotic effects.
In literature
In Odyssey IX, Odysseus tells how adverse north winds blew him and his men off course as they were rounding Cape Malea, the southernmost tip of the Peloponnesus, headed westwards for Ithaca:
“I was driven thence by foul winds for a space of 9 days upon the sea, but on the tenth day we reached the land of the Lotus-eaters, who live on a food that comes from a kind of flower. Here we landed to take in fresh water, and our crews got their mid-day meal on the shore near the ships. When they had eaten and drunk I sent two of my company to see what manner of men the people of the place might be, and they had a third man under them. They started at once, and went about among the Lotus-eaters, who did them no hurt, but gave them to eat of the lotus, which was so delicious that those who ate of it left off caring about home, and did not even want to go back and say what had happened to them, but were for staying and munching lotus with the Lotus-eaters without thinking further of their return; nevertheless, though they wept bitterly I forced them back to the ships and made them fast under the benches. Then I told the rest to go on board at once, lest any of them should taste of the lotus and leave off wanting to get home, so they took their places and smote the grey sea with their oars.”[1]
This passage served as the source for Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “The Lotus-Eaters.” It is also referenced in the fifth chapter of Ulysses by James Joyce, also titled “Lotus Eaters,” and in the sixth chapter of Edith Wharton‘s The Age of Innocence.
(<a href=”http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Lotus-eaters”>Lotophagi</a>).
Today, all over the world, men and women are lured to and overwhelmed by comfort and fun activities—games of all kinds, popcorn, mountain climbing, and movies. Our current generation, known as the Millennials, is much like the Lotus-Eaters whom Odysseus described. What could make these pleasure seekers happier than legalized drugs? Once they win that battle, the next one will be to create clubs for congregating to share them. Yet it is not only drugs, which can dull our senses and steal our minds.
Are we allowing ourselves to be lured, weakened, and dulled by our love of the world—its comforts and luxury? The love of comfort and play keeps everyone ‘useless’ but happy. In the name of progress, the comforts of life clear the way for those with ability and ingenuity to be wined and dined so they will produce more and more. Yes! The elite will give popcorn and circuses to the vulgar public to make them happy, unconcerned, and useless. With this trained mindset, who will care if they have money?
If there is no God, as the humanists and atheists believe, and the common man is satisfied with feeling good about himself, and his flesh feels good, he has no worries. Then, when one of their own dies, they can celebrate his life in spite of the fact he and they must go to meet the Maker (Eccl. 7:1-2). Eternity is real, but the present generation seems oblivious to it.
We have LOTS to think about on this topic. Wine and drugs (modern day lotus flowers) aren’t the only things that can steal our MINDS. Cell phones and Internet and Facebook can steal our minds and hearts even more insidiously by consuming our thoughts with things that are fleeting. Our focus on things of this world occupies us so that we have less and less time or love for anything lasting or eternal. One master trumps the Other (Luke 16:13-15). What are we about—our own pleasure or our Master’s work?
Todd Henry, a motivational speaker from the secular arena says, “The love of comfort is a thief that robs you of your best work.”
http://www.toddhenry.com/creating/things-you-wont-say-in-10-years/
Today I came across a government website that features a study of how Americans spend their time. Bureau of Labor Statistics: American Time Use Survey
The header says, “The American Time Use Survey (ATUS) measures the amount of time people spend doing various activities, such as paid work, childcare, volunteering, and socializing.” Unfortunately, many elderly people seem to spend their entire day watching Television.
“Be transformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND….” (Rom. 12:2). What if cares, riches, and pleasures of the world dull one’s mind? “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present WORLD…” (2 Tim. 4:10).
Proverbs 21:17—“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
Job 21:7-21
2 Peter 2:13-16
2 Peter 2:18-20
2 Peter 3:1
1 Timothy 5:6
Revelation 1:5-6
1 Thessalonians 5:1-10
Titus 2:1-8
1 Peter 1:13-17
1 Peter 4:1-8
Ephesians 4:17-24
1 Peter 5:8
Ephesians 5:8-18
Luke 16:1-2
Luke 16:8-13
1 John 2:15-17
Luke 16:19-25
Proverbs 21:13
Isaiah 1:15-23
Isaiah 5:11-14
Amos 6:3-7
Titus 2:11-14—For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (g4996. σωφρόνως sōphronōs; adverb from 4998; with sound mind), righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Ephesians 2:10—For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Matthew 7:19-21
Titus 3:14
James 5:1-8
2 Peter 3:10-14
Galatians 6:7-10
2 Corinthians 9:6
Matthew 25:30-46
—Beth Johnson