Friday, 8 August 2014
But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:33
This verse is set in contrast to the preceding one which read, “He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord.” When one is single, and if they are directed to the things of Lord, they will naturally care for doing those things which are pleasing to Him. However, the contrast is also usually the case. And so Paul notes it for our reflection by saying, “But he who is married cares about the things of the world.” This doesn’t mean such a person isn’t interested in pleasing the Lord at all, but his allegiances may become skewed, especially during times of distress.
Even if such times don’t currently exist, a man still needs to provide for his wife and keep her happy and content, but he can usually do it in a way in which both will be able to direct their lives toward pleasing the Lord. They can attend church together, pray over meals together, talk about the Lord’s goodness on walks, etc. However, if it is a time of distress, the man may become overly consumed with “how he may please his wife.”
If food is in shortage, the man will spend a great deal of effort in obtaining it in order to feed his beloved and any children that they have. Going to church may become a secondary matter as the time once available for this is lost in the struggle to live. And finding time to stop and praise the Lord in times of privation is naturally harder. This doesn’t mean that the love for the Lord is gone, but priorities become skewed during times of upheaval. How much more difficult it is to please the Lord when there are many additional burdens upon the man’s heart which he feels he must handle!
Life application: As has been noted over the previous few verses, the context of the times in which a person lives is important to consider when pondering life-changing decisions such as marriage or having children. This is why it is often good to stop and evaluate such decisions rationally and apart from the emotions which tug at our heart strings.
Lord God, today is open before me and I don’t know even a moment from now what will come about, but You do. And so I place this day in Your capable hands asking for just a few things. Give me the opportunity to speak to someone today about my faith in Jesus. Grant me patience with others so that I don’t bring discredit upon Your name. And should You call me home today, allow my last breath to be one which praises You. With these things, I will feel the day was well spent. Amen.