In what ways can we apply "those who have wives" to modern life? Setting the Scene “What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as though they had none” (1 Corinthians 7:29). Paul writes with a sense of urgency because “the present form of this world is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). His call is not to abandon marriage, but to hold it with an eternal perspective. Foundational Truths to Keep in View • Marriage is God-ordained and good (Genesis 2:24). • Husbands must love their wives “just as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25). • Allegiance to Christ takes precedence over every earthly tie (Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26). • A fleeting world demands steadfast Kingdom focus (1 John 2:17). What “Those Who Have Wives” Means Today 1. Live with Kingdom priority • Schedule, energy, and resources shaped first by Christ’s mission (Matthew 6:33). • Eternal impact weighs heavier than temporal comfort. 2. Resist family idolatry • Cherish spouse without turning marriage into the ultimate source of identity or security. • Remember that only Christ satisfies the heart’s deepest needs (Colossians 3:1-4). 3. Maintain missionary readiness • Be willing to relocate, downsize, or adjust career goals when gospel opportunities arise. • Hold plans loosely, trusting God’s leading (James 4:13-15). 4. Steward time for service • Guard blocks in the week for ministry, hospitality, discipleship, and corporate worship. • Model to children that serving Christ is normal, not exceptional. 5. Invest resources eternally • Budget with generosity in mind—missions, local church, mercy ministries (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Treat possessions as tools, not treasures (1 Timothy 6:17-19). 6. Support each other’s calling • Encourage a spouse’s spiritual gifts rather than compete with them (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Pray together about how marriage can multiply usefulness to the Body of Christ. Practical Examples • A couple volunteers weekly at a youth outreach, arranging date night afterward rather than skipping ministry. • Parents cap extracurriculars so the family can host a neighborhood Bible study. • A husband turns down a promotion that would cripple church involvement, trusting God to provide. • Spouses agree that income raises automatically increase giving percentages. Dangers to Avoid • Neglecting marital duties under the guise of “ministry.” • Using family as a perpetual excuse to avoid costly obedience. • Letting career goals dictate life direction without seeking God’s kingdom first. Encouragement from Scripture • Aquila and Priscilla served alongside Paul while maintaining a strong marriage (Acts 18:2-3, 18-26). • Moses’ example: “Choose life, so that you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). • The promise remains: “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Summary Holding marriage in one hand and eternal priorities in the other, believers can love their spouses deeply while refusing to let even God-given blessings eclipse wholehearted devotion to Christ. |
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