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 some of them do 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 when you are blessed with some of the good things this world has to offer. The problem is that many people get caught up in things and start to believe that life is all about what you can possess here in this world. Having the biggest home or the latest fast car. 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 it 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 temporary things. 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 possessions we will only be using for a short time.
This message is not to condemn anyone for having 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 the line. Especially if you 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 as the things in this world break, fall apart, deteriorate and turn to rust, 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 perspective. Reduce the importance of having the biggest and the best of what the world has to offer. 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.
Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
25 Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you.
26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are.
27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married.
28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.
29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage.
30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions.
31 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.
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.
36 But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin.
37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry.
38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.
39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord.
40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.
The Daily Dose 