1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NRSV)
Read 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 on biblegateway.com
Verse 29I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, Verse 30and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, Verse 31and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
Devotion
Paul’s words to the people of Corinth call us to a deep forgetfulness. It is as if he advises: “Live as if you are not bound by your relationships, travel on as if you are not immersed in the griefs and joys you know today, set aside those financial issues that occupy your mind.” One commentator notes that if this were all Paul had written, his message would be completely other-worldly.
The Reformation tradition values deeply the insight that there is a “simul” quality to the Christian life. We are simultaneously saint and sinner. We are also—simultaneously—people with no concerns about daily troubles, and people immersed in life’s daily affairs. Paul’s other-worldliness is balanced by deep love for the world God loves. “The present world is passing away,” Paul says, and our faith assures us that God is also working to make us and God’s world new.
Prayer
O God, help us to hear your call to set aside our worries, and your invitation to join you in your great loving concern for all. Empower us in our walk with you. Amen.