Paul continues to handle issues on the minds of the young church. It makes me wonder how they communicated their concerns to Paul since they didn’t have texting in those days. Interestingly, Paul is giving relationship advice when he doesn’t have a significant other, including a wife. While he doesn’t claim this is a command from God, he gives God the nod when he says that the “Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted.”
Whether or not you’re interested in relationship advice yourself, Paul gives us some good counsel. Paul gives us the impression that he believes Jesus will be returning soon, and so it’s best to just keep the status quo and not make any big changes in one’s relationship status. If everyone had heeded his counsel, we wouldn’t be sitting here today reflecting on this passage.
First of all, I’m glad that Paul cleared the air by stating that getting married is not a sin. I’m wondering what “troubles” Paul anticipated for those who did marry. He wanted to spare people from having to endure those troubles, but Paul doesn’t begin to understand the great joy that results from sharing your life with another human that you love. Troubles can erupt in any relationship, not just marriage.
Paul’s concern seems to be that if you’re married, you don’t have as much time for God. To be a good spouse, you should focus on your mate’s happiness, and that can be a time-consuming endeavor. For those choosing not to marry, there is plenty of time to nurture and grow a relationship with God and help others discover the truth about Jesus and salvation.
Paul seems to equate our happiness with worldly comforts and “things.” Verse 31 brilliantly calls out materialism, which runs rampant in our society still today. “Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” How often have you found yourself saying, “If only I had this, I would be happy,” only to obtain that one thing and remain miserable? Who knew that Paul had warned us about that!
Paul didn’t want to discourage the people. After all, many were probably already married or waiting for that day. Arranged marriages would have been common in the culture of Paul’s day, so the focus on the benefits of remaining unmarried may have been appealing to those not thrilled with their parents’ selection of a mate.
The real emphasis Paul was trying to make was this: “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.” In Paul’s mind, a spouse would hold him back, limit his ability to serve the Lord. For Paul, his life mission was devoted to God and sharing the gospel message about Jesus. How different his missionary journeys would have been if he had a wife tagging along or waiting at home with a brood of children! For Paul’s life purpose and assignment from God, being single was a better option. His passion was for Jesus’ truth, not a need for female attention.
What relationship style works best for you? Are you still able to devote time to God and avoid unnecessary distractions? Are you serving the Lord out of your passion for his truth or out of obligation? Take some time to reflect on your most important relationship, the one with your Lord and Savior.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I thank you that I can have a fulfilling marriage and time with you. Forgive me for the years that I missed out on doing both very well. Paul’s counsel is very eye-opening, and I hope those who hear it will take inventory of their marital relationship as well as their relationship with you. For me, I am so thankful that my spousal relationship and my faith journey collide so beautifully as we do ministry together. Our shared passion for you is a gift. Be blessed and glorified through us today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
