Because of the crisis of severe persecution that the first century church was facing (26), people’s plans for marriage were disrupted. The issue was further complicated among the Corinthians because some had become engaged before they were believers (27). Paul said that it was not a sin for believers to marry even during such times (28). But he said it is also good to remain unmarried in order to be more fully devoted to the Lord.

Paul uses this example of marriage to teach a broader spiritual principle: Believers should not treat earthly matters, even marriage, as the most important thing, because we know that this world is temporary (31). Earthly concerns related to marriage can divide our attention and make it harder to be devoted to God (34). This applies not just to marriage but also to any worldly pursuit, including careers. Believers have freedom to choose a direction regarding marriage (36-38), but we need to prayerfully decide whether any pursuit is part of God’s mission for us on earth. Our driving principle must be to live in undivided devotion to the Lord, whatever we do.
Application: Father, thank you for the freedom we have in Christ. Help me use that freedom wisely, choosing the direction that lets me serve you best.
One Word: To live in undivided devotion