I Corinthians 7 "Remaining time is short"

READ: I Corinthians 7.

Verses chosen for meditation: I Cor 7: 17, 29 - 31.

¹⁷ Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. 

²⁹ This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, ³⁰ and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, ³¹ and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

 

REFLECT

We often hear non-believers echo that life is short and their reaction is,” If life is short, let’s live life enjoy it now.” In fact, it is not uncommon for some Christians who share the same philosophy. When Paul was replying to the believers’ request for his advice on issues such as marriage and celibacy in the church that divided them, he also reminded them that “time is short” (vv. 29-31). Paul was reminding the Corinthians believers that they were not living out what they are called for (v.17) in the new life in Christ Jesus.

Back in chapter 6, he first tackled the misconception that our physical bodies don’t matter (Greek way of thinking) and correct those who argue that it was their right to sleep with temple prostitutes (6:15). In chapter 7, Paul deals with those on the other extreme – one of which is that believers are so concerned about sexual immorality, that they avoided sex and marriage altogether (v.1).

Reading on, Paul has to address these believers’ misconceptions in relations to their social or marital status, be it married, widowed, divorced or singleness.

 

RELATE

In his advice, Paul lays out four scenarios for the believers to consider (vv. 2-16). He exhorted that firstly, if one is married, one should not abstain and “deprive (equivalent to “defraud”, I Cor 6:8) each other” but fulfil your “responsibility” to your spouse (v.3). Paul is explaining the principles of marriage in that it is God who created sex within a marriage. It is pure and has its rightful place in a marriage but would be defiled, if outside of marriage. He explained further that the only reason for a couple to stop having intimacy is when both partners agreed to it, for a period to devote themselves to pray for a specific matter (v.5).

To the remaining three scenarios, who are non-married, divorced or widowed, Paul explained all the principles (vv. 8-16) accordingly. Indeed, God has different plans for each of us. Whatever our social or marital status we are in, clearly the Christian response is, “use your short time for eternal purposes.”  Be sure that the aim of your life is making it beautiful in His strength. That's why Paul says, “let those who have wives live as though they had none.” Mind you, he is not encouraging you to neglect your wife or your responsibilities to your children and home. What Paul is saying is that we are to keep things in proper focus with relationship and responsibilities.

There is no one status that is more superior than the other, neither is married nor singleness. More importantly, consider how we are to live out God’s calling. Life has higher demands and higher challenges. Therefore, even as God-given marriage and beautiful as it is, is not the highest choice one can make. If some choose not to marry, to instead pursue other standards, especially spiritual involvement, their choice should be affirmed as good and proper. No one should put them down for it.

God doesn’t see you according to the state you are in but according to the strength He has given you. Yes, whatever marital condition each is called to now, submit that to God and ask Him to fill us with His love and strength so that we can live out our calling, right where we are (v.17). Take comfort, it is our relationship with Jesus that ultimately defines us, not our outward circumstances or marital status (vv. 23-24).

REST

Dear God, regardless of my status, my relationship to you is of supreme importance to my life. Use me Lord for Your glory. Amen.

 

Vincent