1 Corinthians 7:32–35: But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.
Paul now gives some practical observations. The unmarried person doesn’t have to worry about changing the baby’s diapers or going out to buy food for the family. He or she can give his or her time to the things of God. The married man tries to please his wife. This is normal and natural, and Paul is not saying it is wrong. Paul is making it very clear that the important thing is to put God first. That should be the determining factor for every person in a marriage relationship. I don’t care who you are or how spiritual you think you may be, if you are not putting God first in your marriage, then your marriage, my friend, is not the ideal Christian marriage. He comes back to his judgment that the single person can attend upon the Lord without distraction. 1
Application
- Read Matthew 6:31-34. What’s the godly solution for worrying?
- What is God’s design for a married person? What is His design for a single person?
Thought to Share
Fulfillment is found in fulfilling His purposes for your life. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank you for helping me to serve my spouse in a way that honors You.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44).
