Best

We are making our way through a letter Paul wrote to Jesus followers in Corinth. Today, Paul answers another question posed by the church in Corinth.


1 Corinthians 7
25 Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. 27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems. 29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 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. 32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 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. 36 But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. 37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. 38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better. 39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. 40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.


Best. I love when Paul says, “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best”. As you know, most of the responses (to questions asked by believers in Corinth) in this section of Paul’s letter are focused on the issue of marriage. However, this thought “I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best” is really a question that should apply to every “big” decision we make. When you are deciding who to marry, ask yourself, “Will this relationship help me serve the Lord best?” When you are deciding where to work, ask yourself, “Will this job help me serve the Lord best?” When buying a house, ask yourself, “Will owning this house help me serve the Lord best?” This question forces us to rethink our decision-making priorities. The search for the “best” forces us to delve a little deeper when it comes to two great options. If the answer isn’t obvious and you need a little help, ask a trusted (wise) friend for an honest, outside perspective. Most importantly, pray. Who else would know the best way to serve God than God?