The Wednesday Word 8.30.2023

 

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 New Living Translation

32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

 

Well…if you have to make an argument for celibacy, I guess this would be the best. Take all the care and time and energy you might have spent on a significant other and pour it into the study and service of the Lord. I have been trying to visualize what that life would entail. I have been thinking about those folks I have known who found themselves leading the single life. There were still livings to be earned, bills to be paid,  chores to be done, extended family demands to be met, and so on and so on. The same as married people. Short of withdrawing to the cloister, dedicating your life to the service of the Lord becomes a matter of balance. What this advice does is remind us that regardless of our relationship status, everyone’s priority must be a relationship with God. With that goal always in mind, any and all other commitments will fall into place.

 

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.








 


 




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