Working together

1 Cor 7:29-31: “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.”

Paul was telling the Corinthian church that it was perfectly fine to marry. If a young person could live without marrying and serve the Lord with out the burden of a spouse that that would be beneficial. Paul did say that if you were married you should live your life, as you were not. What he was saying was do not let your marriage be an obstacle between you and the Lord. Your service to the Lord should come first.

For Christ-followers who live in a different generation I believe the same should be displayed in our lives today. We should not let anything stand in the way of our work for the Lord. Why should we not let anything stand in the way of our work for the Lord? Because Paul is telling us that the time is short. He could have been telling the people of Corinth that our time on this earth is short and we need to get our work done no matter what. On the other hand, he could be telling the church that Jesus is coming back very soon, and we need to be ready. Either way we should not let our marriages get in the way of serving God. In fact, I would say that since a Christian Marriage is something so special and something that represents the Love of God for us, we should use our marriages as a ministry.

A Christian marriage should not be characterized by arguments, doubt, pain, and miscommunication. Rather, a Christian marriage needs to be a living example as to the Love of God toward His Church. The Church is called the bride of Christ. Our marriages should reflect the relationship between Christ and His followers. We can and should use our marriages to minister to others. We can come up beside a young couple and teach them about taking and living the vows, and about what true commitment is. The time is short, let’s serve the Lord with all diligence.

Digging Deeper – Gen 2:18; And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."
Eph 5:33: “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: psalm 128-131 New Testament I Cor. 8