A Word from 1 Corinthians 7

If you knew that Jesus was coming back tomorrow, how do you think you’d respond? Would it change what you do with your time, and energy, and money? Would it fill you with fear about whether you’ll “make the cut”? Or would it fill you with anticipation about seeing the “new creation” that Jesus promised?

Well, today’s word from 1 Corinthians 7 reminds me that there was a time in the early church when Christians really did believe that the Lord was coming back any day. And as a result, they wrestled deeply with how they should order their lives to get ready. Should they get married or leave their marriages? Should they quit their jobs or get new ones? Should they buy anything or give everything away? And after offering his perspective on a few particular questions and uncertainties, Paul spoke this word of advice:

“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; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.” (7:29-31)

Of course, that was almost 2000 years ago. And so, it’s hard, I think, for us to live with the same kind of “intense anticipation” that early believers had. And yet, certainly the turmoil of the world around us should be a reminder that “this world in its present form is passing away.” And so, every day becomes an opportunity to cultivate the right attitudes, to focus on the right things, and to live like people who trust  that our God is making everything new. (see Rev. 21:3-5)

So today, let’s anticipate the Lord’s visible return. But let’s remember, too, that He’s at work in the world right now! And so, there’s a good reason to be good stewards of our time, our money, and our relationships; so that we’ll be ready for the new world to come. Amen.