What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29–31)
THE TIME IS SHORT. Behind the phrase “the time is short” is a sophisticated view of history. The kingdom of God—the spiritual power to renew the world—is here to a substantial degree, but only partially (Romans 13:11–14). It means we should not be too elated by success or too cast down by disappointment—because our true success is in God (Colossians 3:1–4). Though we have possessions, we should live as if they weren’t really ours—for our real wealth is in God (Luke 16:1ff.). We should “sit loose” to everything. Paul says we should be neither overelated by getting married nor overdisappointed by not being so, because Christ is the only spouse who can truly fulfill us and God’s family the only family that will truly embrace and satisfy us (Ephesians 5:21ff.).
Reflection: Take this principle and apply it to other parts of your life. Can you refuse to tie your joy too much to your career? How? What about the success of your children?
Prayer: Lord, sometimes you “break our schemes of earthly joy” so that we can “find our all in you.”120 Help us—without needing trials and disappointments—to rest our hearts so much in you that we have an abiding peace in the world. Amen.