CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON YOUTUBE
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
As we dive deeper into the Apostle Paul’s explanation of his thoughts and instructions for marriage the picture becomes more clear as his focus is not against marriage but distractions that may pull one’s attention away from God. In 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Paul explains that the single person in Christ has no other distractions but only to focus on pleasing God. We must also understand that Paul’s mission was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He was focused on creating relationships with God through salvation in Christ Jesus. Marriage was a gift of God in salvation for those He leads to it, but having a relationship with God should be first and the guiding light to marriage or to remain single.
This is an example that even gifts of God can be distractions if our focus is on the gift rather than on God – the giver of the gift.
Paul is tough on marriage, but it is not that he is against marriage but for a solid uninterrupted relationship with God through salvation in Christ Jesus. Paul had been against the early church for some years before he was called by Christ Jesus to a new life. I believe that Paul had a change in life, heart, and spirit that was so powerful that he wanted to spend the rest of his life doing good for God with no distractions. That was his calling from God. The main point is for us to be dedicated to God’s call on our lives. Regardless of the gifts we receive, Paul wants to make sure that we put God first.
Dear LORD,
Paul has spent much time explaining his thoughts on marriage and the importance of putting You first in our lives regardless of our marital status. Please help us to realize and understand that for us to be pleasing to You with our lives, we must put You first, and then follow where You lead us as You give freely Your gifts to us. In Jesus name I pray, amen.