Daily Walk Through the New Testament

November 25

Read 1 Corinthians 7:25-8:8

Possibly, the two most important decisions in life are how we respond to Jesus and who — or if — we marry. Both are lifelong commitments and should be taken seriously!
The Bible addresses the real issues of life. Paul encouraged both the married and the unmarried to remain as they are (7:26). Salvation does not alter our marital status. Marriage is an earthly arrangement that will not continue in heaven (Matthew 22:30). Therefore, Paul was concerned about the cares brought on by an earthly agreement that causes a believer to focus on pleasing his or her spouse instead of pleasing the Lord (7:32-35). But he gave no commandment to remain single.
In today’s church culture, we often think everyone should be married. It is not unusual to find self-appointed matchmakers in the pews attempting to connect single friends. Neither Paul nor Jesus taught that marriage or singleness was above the other. However, both commended singleness to avoid the distractions to living the Christian life.
Thank God for addressing the issues of life in His Word, and make sure your views of marriage and singleness line up with His.