Distractions and Focus 1 – Married vs. Single – EGP Blog post from October 18, 2012

1 Corinthians 7:29–31 ()

[29] But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; [30] and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; [31] and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away.

The point of this passage is that it’s easy for the things of life to block our eyes from our eternal destination, so Paul addresses several of those things here. Today, I’m going to start out with the first on the list: marriage.

Marriage is a vital part of spurring each other to growth in God, having and raising kids, and gives us insight into Christ’s relationship to the Church and the Father’s relationship to Israel. Marriage is a great thing, so why did it make this list of distractions?

1 Corinthians 7:32–34 ()

[32] But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; [33] but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, [34] and his interests are divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

So, if you’re married, stay married and let your marriage spur your growth toward God. If you’re single, focus on “the things of the Lord” and “how you can please the Lord.” If you desire to get married, look for someone that will spur your growth in Christ.

Key verses

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