October 25, 2013
Looking back through my journal, I came across this entry from last February… I hope it encourages us all to give Jesus our undivided attention in ALL areas of life!
1 Corinthians 7:32-35…
“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”
“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”
Whether married OR single, we are called to live each day in “undivided attention” to the Lord. Paul explains that those who are NOT married are only concerned about the Lord’s affairs, but that those who ARE married are concerned with how she (or he) can please her (or his) husband (or wife). Marriage is a WONDERFUL gift, but like many gifts from Above, it is easy for it to become an idol, hindering our undivided attention towards Christ. Whenever my relationship with Nick becomes my focus/priority over my relationship with Jesus, I’m in the wrong… AND headed for disaster! NOTHING, not even marriage, should EVER compete with my spiritual devotion and priority of knowing and following Him.
*By maintaining the proper order of priorities in my relationships (which is Christ #1, Nick #2),
God will use our marriage (or family/friend relationships) to grow me into the Princess Warrior He designed me to be.
God will use our marriage (or family/friend relationships) to grow me into the Princess Warrior He designed me to be.
*By keeping Him #1, God will mold me into a better woman (specifically wife, mother, sister, & friend) than I could EVER be through my own strength or willpower.
*By seeking & relying on Him above Nick, God will use our marriage to sanctify me & mature the Fruit of His Spirit in me (Galatians 5:22-25).
*By pursuing Him as individuals AND together as husband & wife, God will use us to pour out His love to others (people who are married and people who are single) & to spur each other on towards love & good deeds.
* By focusing our UNDIVIDED ATTENTION on Him, Nick & I will grow as “one flesh” and will be MORE EFFECTIVE for His Kingdom than we would’ve have been apart. We have to keep the Main Thing (Jesus!), the MAIN THING by seeking “FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
Cheers&Prayers, Britt
Comments