QT: What to do in the present distress [part4/5]

What to do in the present distress [part4/5]
https://www.esv.org/1Cor7:25–40
Week 25: 13/06/2023. Tue

1 Corinthians 7:26–27 [26] I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. [27] Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. (ESV)

Would you consider the present world to be in distress? In times of much trouble, the "status quo" might be the choice of wisdom for believers, just as in Paul's time. Christianity during Paul's time was under persecution—death threatens all believers.

In times of war, be it atomic war or conventional war, might also be classified as times of distress. We do hear or know of friends who marry during World War II or even in some wars today.

But the underlying concern of Paul and Ezra were the same—how is life's decisions going to affect your primary relationship and loyalty to the LORD?

Paul noted, "But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided" (1Cor 7:33–34b). Likewise vice-versa for the married woman, "But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband" (1Cor 7:34b).

Divided loyalty has never been friendly to faithfulness to the God who love and save you. We saw in the past few days believers of all times trying to live out faithfulness to God in the light of competing loyalties.

We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide each and every one of us in the search for the best possible solution/mitigation while living in an imperfect, fallen and broken world, so that all can start anew, refreshed by the hope that God gives for those who embrace Him.