Paul makes the most amazing statement in his letter to the Corinthians. In the middle of his statements on marriage, he diverts to a more important topic—undistracted devotion to the Lord.
As if speaking right to our generation, Paul says, “The time is short. Therefore, from now on those who have wives should live as if they had none… those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep, and those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away; and I would like you to be free from concern. …I am saying this for your own good. … that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:29-35).
The fact is that most of us do have commitments that consume our time and attention. In rather dramatic fashion, Paul is saying we should live almost as though these other commitments don’t matter (or even exist). Obviously we are not to ignore our spouses, or treat our houses and cars irresponsibly. But we must examine our thinking (Romans 12:2) to make sure that even the good things in this life do not deter us from Jesus. “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3).
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