Doing God’s Work

Reading: 1 Corinthians 7; Psalm 132

30 Happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God’s work. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. (1 Corinthians 7:30-31, 35 NLT)

Paul had counted everything else as insignificant compared with declaring God’s Good News and advancing God’s Kingdom through the church. Paul believed that life in this world is short, and eternity is long! Paul encouraged all who would hear him to organize their lives around these same values and beliefs.

It’s not easy to live the way Paul is recommending. For most of us, in the West at least, it’s possible and has become common to live a balanced life of pretty comfortably fitting into our culture and being a Christian as well.

I believe that Paul’s statements are a continual challenge for me, for us. Not so much a challenge to an either-or lifestyle, but to continually examine our hearts, our values, and our lives to see whether we are passionate about God’s work and willing to let go of things that hinder single-minded discipleship.

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for these words that continually challenge me to a life of faithful discipleship. The distractions are many and they seem to be increasing! But I purpose to do God’s work. Amen.