Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 7:29–35
Living for Christ is a must for all Christians. Living with an expectancy of His return should also be at the forefront of every Christian’s mind. God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 7:29–31, “But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; 30 and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; 31 and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away.” Paul and the other Apostles lived with the expectation that Christ could return in their lifetime. In 1 Corinthians 7:32–35, God had Paul address the fact that certain choices, like marriage, could distract a married couple from being fully devoted to the Lord. God was not saying that being married was sinful, because marriage is a gift from the Lord. What God had Paul communicate was that for those who were married, they must not allow their marriage to become a restraint to walking with the Lord. God was not seeking to place restrictions on married couples, but He used Paul to help them see that they needed to do whatever would enable them to serve the Lord best and to guard against things that might become a distraction from serving the Lord wholeheartedly. We must continually examine our lives for distractions so that we serve our Lord well.
Challenge & Application
What are some things that might distract you from serving the Lord wholeheartedly?
How are you guarding your life from any distractions that might hinder you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!