Lord's Day Devotion - As Though They Had None (1 Corinthians 7: especially vs 23-31 and 35 ESV)

 

You can experience the two emotions from each end of a full swing of the pedulum.  You can be in gut-wrenching grief and then have all-encompassing happiness.  But we are wise if we are not consumed by them.  Each state is temporary.

We do well when we are not obsessed with our possessions or our spouse.  We do not make them idols although we are responsible for both, especially our spouse.

Of course, a marriage should be a more permanent state that this institution requires; at least

 "until Jesus comes or death do us part".

So whatever did Paul mean then with verse 29 when he tells the Corinthian assembly that those who have wives,

"be as though they had none"!?

Well we need to watch it that we don't twist Paul's words and take his intended meaning out of context.  Read the whole 7th chapter of 1 Corinthians, especially verses 23-31 and 35.

Our relationship with our heavenly Father and with Jesus our Savior and Best Friend should take priority above our earthly relationships (although a husband or a wife is an exceedingly important person with whom to establish strong, lasting bonds) and material goods.  But DON'T abandon your wife.

Life, at best, is very brief but eternity, well, that lasts forever.  Keep a looser grip on the earthly, temporary things and a firmer grasp on that which is permanent and eternal.  Rather, we should 

" ... promote good order and ... secure [our] undivided devotion to the Lord" (vs 35).

Jesus is coming soon and then we will be with Him forever.  Praise the One who died for you.

Think on these things as you partake of the bread and drink of the cup of wine this Lord's Day in remembrance of Him.  It will gladden our hearts until we see His face in person.

Lord, help us to loosen our grip on earthly things and make You and what matters to You, our priority.  Thank You for making us yours.  In Your precious name we give You our thanks and praise.  Amen.

                                                ~ ERC  May  2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 7: especially verse 23-31 and 35 ESV.

Sing, Life At Best Is Very Brief, along with Squirrel.