I completely agree. I am married to a believer but feel very strongly and urgently there are certain things that God has called me to do in this life. One is to foster and adopt. For the past 3 years, my husband has not been on board. And in our state we both have to agree. I think it’s important. If I was single, this would not be an issue but I am not able to live out God’s commands until my husband and I are both united on this issue. Please pray for unity in our family!
18 “Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge.”-ellie
The people who had known God personally and had seen His mighty works stayed faithful and worshiped Him. But the next generation had only heard stories. They didn’t know God – didn’t have a personal history of being rescued by Him. They strayed into idol worship. How important it is to see that the next generation knows God personally! To know Him. Not just to know of Him.
After hearing the repeated refrain to “remember and keep the ways of the Lord” I see the grief of God as the children of Israel forget Him and His glorious deeds and turn away from Him within a few generations. May we consider the Lord’s mercy and kindness to His people and the good ways He uses the evil of the world to judge His own and call them back to Himself.
I find myself incredibly convicted by this chapter in 1 corinthians. Although I have known Christ since childhood, in my early adulthood, I strayed from my faith and married a man who does not know Christ. Lord forgive me for this sin! Now I must bear the earthly consequences of being unequally yoked. Sisters, please pray that my husband may come to know Christ.
Praying for your husband, L. God has the power to change hearts – asking Him to soften and grow your husband’s affections for Him. So grateful for you.
Paul’s view of marriage made me stand back and say, “wow.” As many others mentioned, I feel like that Chapter was based on his biased opinion. I know that marriage isn’t for everyone but God creates marriage and he created singleness. It is neither a shame to be married or single. As far as him saying you can serve the lord better when single, I’m not so certain. I know God wants us to be number one in our life’s but being married doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not. Marriage is a bond created by God and a good marriage has Christ as its core
I do t believe it’s biased at all, I think what God was simply saying here through Paul is that if you can just keep it where God is your only lover and it’s just you and him that you will have a beautiful and fulfilling life undivided. Marriage isn’t wrong at all and I don’t think he was saying it is, I think he was simply stating if you’re able to without sinning then keeping it just you and God is ideal because a person who is married (I’m married too) is divided. We go to God first AND our spouse. Say both are not on the same page. Then that can cause problems too.
I feel like Paul’s bias seeped in in this chapter. He seems to think marriage is just a thing to fence in sexual pleasure… but the God has said that marriage is a picture of the unity of God and his children. He makes points at occasion, but I couldn’t help but snort a bit as I read that he thought it better that no one get married. It goes to show that we shouldn’t make the mistake of taking everything Paul says as the direct word of God, because it IS man that God is using, and men are fallible. I wish I could tell Paul how powerful a couple following the Lord can be versus one man or woman alone!
They can be but they also can not be. And be careful because I don’t believe we are to separate any of the Bible and pick and choose and dismiss what we don’t like. What Paul is saying is very accurate. He’s not saying that as a single person you wouldn’t work with other people to further the kingdom but when you’re married people are certainly divided. You can’t force anyone to be on the same page with God and you certainly can’t force someone to listen to God or do the right thing. He was simply stating that if a person was able to do so without sinning that staying single and being just God and that individual is more powerful because he is there only lover. There only source. Their only everything. The person you go to for everything. He wasn’t saying a married couple isn’t powerful. Just that being just a single person being fulfilled by God alone can be even more so because they are undivided ☺️
Be careful about reading the bible as though it is just a collection of letters written by men with their own biases. They certainly have their own style, but God is the author of every sentence and He would not let a single word be written in His book that He did not inspire. God is completely and infallibly sovereign over His Word and we are called to submit to Him whether or not we feel it agrees with our own narratives.
Currently living the life I am intended to live. It is not where I imagined myself but after reading 1 Corinthians 7, I am where I am supposed to be. Living the life and on the path that has been set for me. I always trust God’s timing. It is perfect and I’ve learned not to question it. Just to live.
Judges 2:15 Wherever they went, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had spoken and as the Lord had sworn to them, so that they were severely distressed.
The Israelites abandoned God and conformed to the people of the land and their ways, and even tho in the end God did rescue them and deliver them from the enemy, he still made them suffer. I’m so thankful that today because God sent his son to die for our sins, he is a God that forgives without punishment. We’ll still suffer the natural consequences that come with sin, but our God is a god who forgives and welcomes us back with open arms instantly when we turn to him; he doesn’t wait to punish us first.
These chapters and verses are also a reminder to always love and serve God and walk in his ways while keeping his commandments. the Israelites called out to God when they were suffering but after they were saved 3:7 “The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God”. In life I find that it’s easy for me to turn to prayer and ask God to guide me when I’m going through a difficult time, but like the Israelites, when things are going well, it’s so easy to forget that it’s all thanks to Him and his grace. And in this life I know sin is inevitable, but I am so thankful that I have a God who forgives and is there to bring us out of the worst of times, like we have seen him do countless times for Israel. I pray that in the here and now and everyday moving forward I lift everything up to God, in both the good and bad times and that I never take for granted his presence in my life. By living to serve God I hope to become more grateful and content with all that he has blessed me with and to never forget that I would be nothing without Him.
It’s so humbling to read about the all the shortcomings of the Israelites. Their lack of faith and trust in God prompts eye-rolls and “come on, guys! Really?!” And yet, I think it’s so upsetting because I know I have identified with them. I’ve tried to do things of my own strength or knowledge, and I’ve surrendered myself to things of this world I.e. How I look, what others think, etc. we have so many modern day idols that try to disguise themselves as necessity. Seeing how God still intervenes on their behalf when called upon reveals so much about His heart. It’s so amazing the love He has for us, and I’m so thankful that when I call upon Him, He is there. Praise the Lord!! What a faithful Friend we have in our Father.
About marriage, in the 21st century especially, I think it’s almost programmed into us by society that if you’re single something must be wrong with you, or that it’s embarrassing to be single for too long, etc. and if you are single, society only justifies it as being “okay” if you’re being selfish, sleeping around, and in reality abusing relationships with many people. And I think the enemy has created that method of thinking because a single soul wholly dedicated to Christ is a dangerous weapon. I’m 22, and if God wants me to get married, I’ll be thrilled because I think I’d love it. But what i want a thousand times more, is to wholly serve my King. As if there aren’t too many distractions as is!! I think God definitely brings couples together for the Kingdom, Paul just stresses singleness can be a blessing for those who are called to do things for the Kingdom that having a spouse might inhibit. The disciples, and many others included Jesus himself remained single all their lives, and I think they lived life to the absolute fullest!
God loves marriage when He initiates it, and God loves singleness when He initiates it. All that matters is that you seek Him first in whatever relationship status you are to hold.
Lauren – I appreciate you saying “when He initiates it.” I struggle with my attitude towards marriage and singleness. But I find that pursuing Christ first helps to put the two states in their proper place: second to God. Mandy Dobbelmann in her blog Forte e Bella writes, “From the moment we claim the truth of being the Beloved, we are faced with the call to become who we are.’” That is our call in this life; that is our aim. Not just marriage, or children, or the perfect job, success, or fame but simply to discover what it means to be the Beloved of God and live our whole lives there.” Thanks for sharing your heart, Lauren.
For everyone who is doing the plan this year, congrats, we are one third of the way through! This is a great time to reflect on how God has changed our hearts through committing to read the Bible in a year. For me, the lord has led to me connect more with my husband spiritually and not make devotionals a solitary activity. I got us the Proverbs plan that just came out to do together! I would love to hear how others hearts have been changed.
Stephanie, thanks for prompting us to comment! I’m so glad to have joined in this year’s Bible in a year plan. I have to admit some books so far have been difficult to read, but God’s grace and everyone’s comments on here really help me. The Lord has led me through this plan to develop a love, hunger, and thirst for his word as I have never experienced before. I’ve been a Christian for most of my life, but I’ve never enjoyed reading the word so much as now. Everyday I look forward to spending time in the word, with the Lord and in prayer. This year has been particularly hard for me, but God’s word has a way of always helping me set my eyes on Christ and not on my circumstances.
Melisa, I encourage you to try the Message version, it was a game changer for me. It is very, very easy to understand. It’s a great reading version of the Bible.
1 Corinthians 7:23-24
•these verses remind us that God doesn’t want us to change – He wants us as we are.
1 Corinthians 7:35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
•Paul also reminds us that we are to dedicate our lives to the glory of the Lord. It is easy to get caught up in “anxieties” and “worldly things” (v.32-33), but God calls us to live for something more: His glory and peace.
38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.
This reading confuses me. It seems like he is saying that it’s easier to not get married (and maybe looked higher upon). But God wants for us to not be alone. I’m confused what he’s getting at here.
I think Paul is telling us that in this world there are so many distractions and one of them is being married to someone. If we are so occupied with our husband then we lose focus on working for the Kingdom of God. But Paul says that because of the present time, wherein immorality is high, if you cannot control your lust or yourself then it is wiser for us to get married BUT we must not forget that we too need to serve God, not only our spouse.
So in that verse 38, he might (I’m not sure with my interpretation) be saying that the man who does not marry can focus more on God’s Kingdom…no other distractions.
Hi Jen, what confuses you about this verse? I don’t believe it applies to a relationship because there is no covenantal commitment you have to that person.
I really don’t think that this applies to relationships… Marriage only. When unmarried there is always the option to leave without breaking covenant. Marriage however is a covenant that should not be broken if it can be helped. Relationships are different. The bible says not to be unequally yoked in marriage. But if one marriage partner becomes a Christian after marriage and the other doesn’t that doesn’t mean they should divorce. As far as all this goes I believe unequally yoked is a warning to not marry an unbeliever. I hope this helps!
While marriage is beautiful I believe Paul is reminding us that this too will pass away. Also I think he is saying that he finds beauty in both singleness and marriage-both will have the opportunity to be devoted to God’s work! I’m entering a new relationship so I’m praying that God will continue to remind me that Christ will always be first in my heart and thoughts!*thankful for these reminders in Gods word!
Theodore Roosevelt said ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ and it is so true. In the community surrounding my husband’s job (he is a military pilot) comparison is a very easy trap to fall into. It’s easy to see another couple, family, pilot doing something, or having an opportunity you don’t and you wonder, ‘why don’t we have that, my husband does the same job, makes the same money, and we can’t afford/do that’. I have come to learn that we all look at others in this way and it is so counter productive. If we were meant for those things, we would have them, we need to be joyful with all God has given us, not envious of what he gives others.
17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
This verse was so encouraging to me this morning. Often times I struggle with comparison and wanting te life that someone else has, but I forget that God has graciously given me my unique and specific life and I need to be content in the Lords will for my life. He assigned me a specific path. How neat that the God of the universe planned my life individually?!
That is such a great perspective Becca! I struggle with comparison too and often lose sight of the fact that God has planned out my path and only I can do it. :-)
Aww man. We’re in Judges now. You can see right off the bat how the Israelites start to act like the surrounding nations–first with the fact they cut off Adoni-Bezek’s toes and thumbs. God never commanded torture, but torture is what the surrounding nations practiced in war. Then failing to drive these nations out completely, and letting a whole generation grow up without even knowing what God did for them! Judges is going to be a hard book to read but it shows–THIS is what it looks like when God’s people go their own way. I know there are similarities between me and the rebellious Israelites and that’s hard to swallow. Thank you God for your grace! Let this book show us the ways we too have walked away from You and be broken, knowing You will make us more like You!
As a single person in her mid 30’s, I struggle with reading these verses. I think it’s telling me not to idolize marriage and devote myself to the Lord. It is better to be single yet I still desire marriage and companionship. Thoughts?
As a single persons in her mid-late teens, I probably don’t have any real wisdom on this subject whatsoever. But, as I struggle with all my friends and peers having companionship and I am left alone, the Lord has revealed to me that growing my relationship with him is the most important thing first, and having a romantic, and Christ-based, relationship should only come as fruit of that. I pray every day for patience in this area, as it is one that I definitely struggle with myself!
Paul advocates singleness because obviously you can be completely devoted to God without the distractions of marriage. However, he does say that if you desire marriage you should marry. God calls people to be single and to marriage. I believe if God has given you the desire to be married then you should do it. A Godly husband is a great blessing and you can serve Him together. :-)
I feel the same way, being 28. My brother and I discuss this subject quite a bit (with him being married since 21 and me still single) my brother has always told me there are blessings in being either single or married but that Christ would prefer us to be single because there are many responsibilities that distract us from God. I know he’s found scripture where he’s referenced that belief from (I’m sorry I don’t remember)but anyways that’s my two sense.
35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
I took away that we should keep our devotion focused on the Lord even when our lives become more complex and complicated with others involved. I don’t know if that is correct Lisa, but I was struggling trying to understand that part too and that verse stuck out to me.
This is what my Bible study notes say about vs 29-31: ” Christians already live under the foreshadowing of Christ’s return, when the world in its present form will pass away. For this reason, believers should not treat present realities as having ultimate significance.”
I’m not sure if this is correct, but my take away from that is that our spouses, as wonderful as they are, should not be more important than God: He still has to be number one in our lives.
That was a great read
I pray the hand of God on our generation
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17Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.
I completely agree. I am married to a believer but feel very strongly and urgently there are certain things that God has called me to do in this life. One is to foster and adopt. For the past 3 years, my husband has not been on board. And in our state we both have to agree. I think it’s important. If I was single, this would not be an issue but I am not able to live out God’s commands until my husband and I are both united on this issue. Please pray for unity in our family!
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The people of Israel disobey and let god down so much, but he always has compassion on them. So amazing.
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God left some peoples in Canaan to test the Israelites- to see if they would follow His Commands and so that they might know warfare!
18 “Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge.”-ellie
The people who had known God personally and had seen His mighty works stayed faithful and worshiped Him. But the next generation had only heard stories. They didn’t know God – didn’t have a personal history of being rescued by Him. They strayed into idol worship. How important it is to see that the next generation knows God personally! To know Him. Not just to know of Him.
After hearing the repeated refrain to “remember and keep the ways of the Lord” I see the grief of God as the children of Israel forget Him and His glorious deeds and turn away from Him within a few generations. May we consider the Lord’s mercy and kindness to His people and the good ways He uses the evil of the world to judge His own and call them back to Himself.
Loved hearing that my husband is sanctified through me! Thank you Father!!
I find myself incredibly convicted by this chapter in 1 corinthians. Although I have known Christ since childhood, in my early adulthood, I strayed from my faith and married a man who does not know Christ. Lord forgive me for this sin! Now I must bear the earthly consequences of being unequally yoked. Sisters, please pray that my husband may come to know Christ.
I will pray L. I will pray also that God gives you the strength, patience, grace and wisdom while you wait and point the way.
Praying for your husband, L. God has the power to change hearts – asking Him to soften and grow your husband’s affections for Him. So grateful for you.
– Stormye
Paul’s view of marriage made me stand back and say, “wow.” As many others mentioned, I feel like that Chapter was based on his biased opinion. I know that marriage isn’t for everyone but God creates marriage and he created singleness. It is neither a shame to be married or single. As far as him saying you can serve the lord better when single, I’m not so certain. I know God wants us to be number one in our life’s but being married doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not. Marriage is a bond created by God and a good marriage has Christ as its core
I do t believe it’s biased at all, I think what God was simply saying here through Paul is that if you can just keep it where God is your only lover and it’s just you and him that you will have a beautiful and fulfilling life undivided. Marriage isn’t wrong at all and I don’t think he was saying it is, I think he was simply stating if you’re able to without sinning then keeping it just you and God is ideal because a person who is married (I’m married too) is divided. We go to God first AND our spouse. Say both are not on the same page. Then that can cause problems too.
I feel like Paul’s bias seeped in in this chapter. He seems to think marriage is just a thing to fence in sexual pleasure… but the God has said that marriage is a picture of the unity of God and his children. He makes points at occasion, but I couldn’t help but snort a bit as I read that he thought it better that no one get married. It goes to show that we shouldn’t make the mistake of taking everything Paul says as the direct word of God, because it IS man that God is using, and men are fallible. I wish I could tell Paul how powerful a couple following the Lord can be versus one man or woman alone!
I COMPLETELY agree!
They can be but they also can not be. And be careful because I don’t believe we are to separate any of the Bible and pick and choose and dismiss what we don’t like. What Paul is saying is very accurate. He’s not saying that as a single person you wouldn’t work with other people to further the kingdom but when you’re married people are certainly divided. You can’t force anyone to be on the same page with God and you certainly can’t force someone to listen to God or do the right thing. He was simply stating that if a person was able to do so without sinning that staying single and being just God and that individual is more powerful because he is there only lover. There only source. Their only everything. The person you go to for everything. He wasn’t saying a married couple isn’t powerful. Just that being just a single person being fulfilled by God alone can be even more so because they are undivided ☺️
Thank you for explaining it more in detail.
Be careful about reading the bible as though it is just a collection of letters written by men with their own biases. They certainly have their own style, but God is the author of every sentence and He would not let a single word be written in His book that He did not inspire. God is completely and infallibly sovereign over His Word and we are called to submit to Him whether or not we feel it agrees with our own narratives.
The story of Ehud is one of my favorite hidden gems in the Bible. It’s like a little comedy in there that only God could orchestrate. Hilarious!
Currently living the life I am intended to live. It is not where I imagined myself but after reading 1 Corinthians 7, I am where I am supposed to be. Living the life and on the path that has been set for me. I always trust God’s timing. It is perfect and I’ve learned not to question it. Just to live.
Judges 2:15 Wherever they went, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had spoken and as the Lord had sworn to them, so that they were severely distressed.
The Israelites abandoned God and conformed to the people of the land and their ways, and even tho in the end God did rescue them and deliver them from the enemy, he still made them suffer. I’m so thankful that today because God sent his son to die for our sins, he is a God that forgives without punishment. We’ll still suffer the natural consequences that come with sin, but our God is a god who forgives and welcomes us back with open arms instantly when we turn to him; he doesn’t wait to punish us first.
These chapters and verses are also a reminder to always love and serve God and walk in his ways while keeping his commandments. the Israelites called out to God when they were suffering but after they were saved 3:7 “The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God”. In life I find that it’s easy for me to turn to prayer and ask God to guide me when I’m going through a difficult time, but like the Israelites, when things are going well, it’s so easy to forget that it’s all thanks to Him and his grace. And in this life I know sin is inevitable, but I am so thankful that I have a God who forgives and is there to bring us out of the worst of times, like we have seen him do countless times for Israel. I pray that in the here and now and everyday moving forward I lift everything up to God, in both the good and bad times and that I never take for granted his presence in my life. By living to serve God I hope to become more grateful and content with all that he has blessed me with and to never forget that I would be nothing without Him.
It’s so humbling to read about the all the shortcomings of the Israelites. Their lack of faith and trust in God prompts eye-rolls and “come on, guys! Really?!” And yet, I think it’s so upsetting because I know I have identified with them. I’ve tried to do things of my own strength or knowledge, and I’ve surrendered myself to things of this world I.e. How I look, what others think, etc. we have so many modern day idols that try to disguise themselves as necessity. Seeing how God still intervenes on their behalf when called upon reveals so much about His heart. It’s so amazing the love He has for us, and I’m so thankful that when I call upon Him, He is there. Praise the Lord!! What a faithful Friend we have in our Father.
About marriage, in the 21st century especially, I think it’s almost programmed into us by society that if you’re single something must be wrong with you, or that it’s embarrassing to be single for too long, etc. and if you are single, society only justifies it as being “okay” if you’re being selfish, sleeping around, and in reality abusing relationships with many people. And I think the enemy has created that method of thinking because a single soul wholly dedicated to Christ is a dangerous weapon. I’m 22, and if God wants me to get married, I’ll be thrilled because I think I’d love it. But what i want a thousand times more, is to wholly serve my King. As if there aren’t too many distractions as is!! I think God definitely brings couples together for the Kingdom, Paul just stresses singleness can be a blessing for those who are called to do things for the Kingdom that having a spouse might inhibit. The disciples, and many others included Jesus himself remained single all their lives, and I think they lived life to the absolute fullest!
God loves marriage when He initiates it, and God loves singleness when He initiates it. All that matters is that you seek Him first in whatever relationship status you are to hold.
You are amazing for pointing this out! I totally needed to hear this! God bless!
totally need
Lauren – I appreciate you saying “when He initiates it.” I struggle with my attitude towards marriage and singleness. But I find that pursuing Christ first helps to put the two states in their proper place: second to God. Mandy Dobbelmann in her blog Forte e Bella writes, “From the moment we claim the truth of being the Beloved, we are faced with the call to become who we are.’” That is our call in this life; that is our aim. Not just marriage, or children, or the perfect job, success, or fame but simply to discover what it means to be the Beloved of God and live our whole lives there.” Thanks for sharing your heart, Lauren.
A year later here, but thank you for this insight, Lauren!
Love this :) thank you
For everyone who is doing the plan this year, congrats, we are one third of the way through! This is a great time to reflect on how God has changed our hearts through committing to read the Bible in a year. For me, the lord has led to me connect more with my husband spiritually and not make devotionals a solitary activity. I got us the Proverbs plan that just came out to do together! I would love to hear how others hearts have been changed.
Stephanie, thanks for prompting us to comment! I’m so glad to have joined in this year’s Bible in a year plan. I have to admit some books so far have been difficult to read, but God’s grace and everyone’s comments on here really help me. The Lord has led me through this plan to develop a love, hunger, and thirst for his word as I have never experienced before. I’ve been a Christian for most of my life, but I’ve never enjoyed reading the word so much as now. Everyday I look forward to spending time in the word, with the Lord and in prayer. This year has been particularly hard for me, but God’s word has a way of always helping me set my eyes on Christ and not on my circumstances.
Melisa, I encourage you to try the Message version, it was a game changer for me. It is very, very easy to understand. It’s a great reading version of the Bible.
1 Corinthians 7:23-24
•these verses remind us that God doesn’t want us to change – He wants us as we are.
1 Corinthians 7:35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
•Paul also reminds us that we are to dedicate our lives to the glory of the Lord. It is easy to get caught up in “anxieties” and “worldly things” (v.32-33), but God calls us to live for something more: His glory and peace.
38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.
This reading confuses me. It seems like he is saying that it’s easier to not get married (and maybe looked higher upon). But God wants for us to not be alone. I’m confused what he’s getting at here.
I think Paul is telling us that in this world there are so many distractions and one of them is being married to someone. If we are so occupied with our husband then we lose focus on working for the Kingdom of God. But Paul says that because of the present time, wherein immorality is high, if you cannot control your lust or yourself then it is wiser for us to get married BUT we must not forget that we too need to serve God, not only our spouse.
So in that verse 38, he might (I’m not sure with my interpretation) be saying that the man who does not marry can focus more on God’s Kingdom…no other distractions.
The people sinned. God brought judgment. The people cried out to be rescued! And God delivered them. Over and over again.
13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.
I’m confused with this verse, does it also work on relationships? For example, when you’re in a relationship with an unbeliever?
Hi Jen, what confuses you about this verse? I don’t believe it applies to a relationship because there is no covenantal commitment you have to that person.
Thank you!
I really don’t think that this applies to relationships… Marriage only. When unmarried there is always the option to leave without breaking covenant. Marriage however is a covenant that should not be broken if it can be helped. Relationships are different. The bible says not to be unequally yoked in marriage. But if one marriage partner becomes a Christian after marriage and the other doesn’t that doesn’t mean they should divorce. As far as all this goes I believe unequally yoked is a warning to not marry an unbeliever. I hope this helps!
Thank you!
While marriage is beautiful I believe Paul is reminding us that this too will pass away. Also I think he is saying that he finds beauty in both singleness and marriage-both will have the opportunity to be devoted to God’s work! I’m entering a new relationship so I’m praying that God will continue to remind me that Christ will always be first in my heart and thoughts!*thankful for these reminders in Gods word!
Theodore Roosevelt said ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ and it is so true. In the community surrounding my husband’s job (he is a military pilot) comparison is a very easy trap to fall into. It’s easy to see another couple, family, pilot doing something, or having an opportunity you don’t and you wonder, ‘why don’t we have that, my husband does the same job, makes the same money, and we can’t afford/do that’. I have come to learn that we all look at others in this way and it is so counter productive. If we were meant for those things, we would have them, we need to be joyful with all God has given us, not envious of what he gives others.
Thank you it needed to hear this!
17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
This verse was so encouraging to me this morning. Often times I struggle with comparison and wanting te life that someone else has, but I forget that God has graciously given me my unique and specific life and I need to be content in the Lords will for my life. He assigned me a specific path. How neat that the God of the universe planned my life individually?!
That is such a great perspective Becca! I struggle with comparison too and often lose sight of the fact that God has planned out my path and only I can do it. :-)
I didn’t even think about that when I read the verse but thank you. Your words pierced straight through my heart!
Aww man. We’re in Judges now. You can see right off the bat how the Israelites start to act like the surrounding nations–first with the fact they cut off Adoni-Bezek’s toes and thumbs. God never commanded torture, but torture is what the surrounding nations practiced in war. Then failing to drive these nations out completely, and letting a whole generation grow up without even knowing what God did for them! Judges is going to be a hard book to read but it shows–THIS is what it looks like when God’s people go their own way. I know there are similarities between me and the rebellious Israelites and that’s hard to swallow. Thank you God for your grace! Let this book show us the ways we too have walked away from You and be broken, knowing You will make us more like You!
Agreed..well stated!
As a single person in her mid 30’s, I struggle with reading these verses. I think it’s telling me not to idolize marriage and devote myself to the Lord. It is better to be single yet I still desire marriage and companionship. Thoughts?
As a single persons in her mid-late teens, I probably don’t have any real wisdom on this subject whatsoever. But, as I struggle with all my friends and peers having companionship and I am left alone, the Lord has revealed to me that growing my relationship with him is the most important thing first, and having a romantic, and Christ-based, relationship should only come as fruit of that. I pray every day for patience in this area, as it is one that I definitely struggle with myself!
Paul advocates singleness because obviously you can be completely devoted to God without the distractions of marriage. However, he does say that if you desire marriage you should marry. God calls people to be single and to marriage. I believe if God has given you the desire to be married then you should do it. A Godly husband is a great blessing and you can serve Him together. :-)
I feel the same way, being 28. My brother and I discuss this subject quite a bit (with him being married since 21 and me still single) my brother has always told me there are blessings in being either single or married but that Christ would prefer us to be single because there are many responsibilities that distract us from God. I know he’s found scripture where he’s referenced that belief from (I’m sorry I don’t remember)but anyways that’s my two sense.
29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not;
What exactly is Paul saying here?
35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
I took away that we should keep our devotion focused on the Lord even when our lives become more complex and complicated with others involved. I don’t know if that is correct Lisa, but I was struggling trying to understand that part too and that verse stuck out to me.
Thanks! That did help :)
This is what my Bible study notes say about vs 29-31: ” Christians already live under the foreshadowing of Christ’s return, when the world in its present form will pass away. For this reason, believers should not treat present realities as having ultimate significance.”
I’m not sure if this is correct, but my take away from that is that our spouses, as wonderful as they are, should not be more important than God: He still has to be number one in our lives.