What does "concerned about the Lord's affairs" mean in practical terms today? Setting the Scene “...the unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the affairs of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit.” (1 Corinthians 7:34) Paul contrasts two kinds of focus: • “Affairs of the Lord” – pursuing holiness and undivided devotion. • “Affairs of this world” – legitimate but earth-bound responsibilities. The phrase “concerned about the Lord’s affairs” is not a call to asceticism or escapism; it is an invitation to live every moment, relationship, and decision with Christ at the center. What It Looked Like Then • Freed time and energy could be spent on prayer, service, evangelism. • Personal holiness—“holy both in body and spirit”—was the aim, not merely activity. • The church benefited because single believers were often the most mobile and available workers. Translating the Heartbeat into Today Being “concerned about the Lord’s affairs” means: • Making the Lord’s pleasure your measuring line. (2 Corinthians 5:9) • Planning your calendar around kingdom priorities, not squeezing them in. • Viewing your body, emotions, and thoughts as instruments of worship. (Romans 12:1) • Filtering decisions—career moves, purchases, entertainment—through the question, “Will this advance or hinder my walk with Christ?” • Holding singleness or marriage with open hands, seeing each state as a stewardship for the gospel. • Refusing to be sidetracked by “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things.” (Mark 4:19) Guiding Principles from Scripture • Seek first the kingdom. (Matthew 6:33) • Whatever you do, do it in Jesus’ name. (Colossians 3:17) • Redeem the time. (Ephesians 5:15-16) • Do not become entangled in civilian affairs. (2 Timothy 2:4) • Choose the “one thing necessary.” (Luke 10:41-42) Modern Scenarios Single believer: • Leverage flexible evenings for discipling younger Christians. • Set periodic media fasts to guard purity of mind and body. • Budget generously toward missions and mercy ministries. Married believer: • Cultivate a home that reflects Christ—hospitality, Scripture in conversation, prayer with spouse and children. • Schedule weekly “kingdom hours” together: visiting shut-ins, hosting a Bible study. • Model partnership marriage that points to Christ-and-the-church. (Ephesians 5:31-32) Student: • Choose courses and extracurriculars that sharpen God-given gifts. • Carry a New Testament and look for natural opportunities to share your hope. • Guard academic integrity as part of being “holy in body and spirit.” Professional: • See the workplace as a mission field. • Craft excellence that commends the gospel. • Use lunch breaks for prayer walks or Bible reading. Retiree: • Invest accumulated wisdom in mentoring younger believers. • Fill newly available hours with intercessory prayer and volunteer service. • Remember: there is no retirement from the Great Commission. Spotting and Clearing Obstacles • Distraction – limit digital noise; schedule silence with God. • Divided loyalty – keep short accounts with the Lord; repent quickly. • Discouragement – rehearse God’s promises; fellowship with believers who fan your zeal. • Drift – set quarterly personal retreats to recalibrate priorities. Living It Out in Every Season To be “concerned about the Lord’s affairs” today is to adopt a single, steady aim: pleasing Christ and advancing His kingdom, whatever our marital status, vocation, or stage of life. By seeking Him first, everything else finds its rightful place and proportion. |
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