This world is passing
Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 1 Corinthians 7:31
I like nice things. I know that “stuff” does not matter in the grand scheme of things. Whether it is a nice home, vehicle or clothing, it makes this life a little more enjoyable to be blessed with some of the good things this world has to offer. The problem is that many people get so caught up in collecting as much as possible that they start to believe that life is all about what you can acquire here in this world. Whether it’s having the biggest home or the latest fast car, sometimes owning the most expensive clothes and furniture with just the right names on them, can become a top priority in life. However, these things are only temporary and to work your entire life just to purchase the current comforts is a fleeting goal at best.
The key verse for today talks about the things in the world. They are for our use while we are here, but they will all pass away. Sure it is great if you can afford nice things and enjoy them, but not so great if you have all your resources tied up in these fading possessions. In fact, the text here in 1 Corinthians 7 says that we need to be free from the concerns of life and not tied down to the obligation of hours maintaining goods we will only be using for a short time.
This is not to condemn or say that it is wrong to have things. It is only sinful when the things take first place in your heart. If all your focus and desires in this life is to have the latest and greatest of all this world has to offer, then you have crossed over the line. Especially if your are willing to go into a pit of debt to possess them.
The solution is to keep your heart fixed on God’s plan and purpose and maintain an eternal perspective. Keep in mind that the things in this world will break, fall apart, deteriorate and turn to rust, it will be easy to remember that we are here on an eternal mission and that is where our investments should be.
Today I want to encourage you to begin to downsize any temporary area that has become a priority or distraction from your eternal purpose. Reduce the importance of having the biggest and the best of the world’s products. Eliminate debt that has accumulated because of a worldly desire that has gotten out of control. Turn your heart back to God and His perspective and keep in mind that this world is fading and it will not be much longer that we live here. Lastly, start rejoicing that we don’t have to cling to these temporary comforts but that we have an eternal kingdom as our true heritage in the family of God (see Eph. 1:14).
Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
The Daily Dose 