1 Corinthians 7.25-40: Duty Calls for Undivided Devotion

In this last section of the chapter Paul addresses some final issues regarding the church in Corinth. He is clearly encouraging remaining single to avoid the natural distractions a married person will face. Nevertheless he stressed this is his counsel not a command. Verses 29-31 are interesting for us today. Though marriage is good, it is not eternal and we need to not let it and family issues take us away from putting God first in our lives. The same is true for pain- often our many tears simply stop us from seeing Jesus. Our possessions are to be enjoyed but not possess us. There is much we are called to enjoy and experience and yet if duty demands it, the eternal kingdom of God must come first over family, children, pain, pleasure, power or pursuits. Seek first the Kingdom.