2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Nehemiah 3:15-5:13 ESV, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 ESV, Psalm 32:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 21:5-7 ESV
Daily Verse: “and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31 ESV)
KATACHROAOMAI (2710): “To use overmuch, is found in 1 Cor. 7:31, with reference to the believer’s use (over use) of the world.”[i]
Over use.
When Paul talks about dealings, he means with the world. The apostle, responding to a letter he received from the church, admonishes them for holding tightly to material things.
Getting attached to stuff doesn’t take much effort. Looking for solace in material things leads to temporary happiness. The possessions of this world pass away quickly, but when you focus your eyes on Jesus, you find the joy of the Lord.
Paul also reminds the Corinthians that their time on earth doesn’t last long. If we focus on the things that pass away, our stuff, we’ll miss out on the eternal life Jesus offers.
Heavenly attachment.
Instead of attaching to material things, fix your thoughts on heaven. Focus on eternal life, which lasts much longer than the average 70-80 years on earth. We will meet our Maker one day, whether we want to or not. Since we didn’t create life, we can’t control it.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to keep their eyes on the Son, whether married or single.
“I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:35 ESV)
When we focus on stuff, we lose sight of the Lord. Enjoy the blessings God gives you, but don’t worship them. Remind yourself who provided the gifts. Cling to Jesus, discovering His joy.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 135) Thomas Nelson
