In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul answers questions that he had received about marriage. He begins by accepting that marriage is a gift given to us by God. It is good if both husband and wife fulfill their God-given duties to each other. But later his comments are surprising. He says a person is better off unmarried than married. He argues that in a good marriage the man’s focus is on how he may please his wife. And the woman also now turns to how she may please her husband.

But Paul isn’t saying that marriage is bad. He is clear later when he says: “This I say for your own benefit, not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:35) His concern is not marriage but living lives in which devotion to God may be marginalized as our focus turns to other priorities.

There is an easily missed truth here. Consider this question: is it possible that things that are good—not sin in any sense—can become a negative in our lives?

Jesus is clear in Mat. 6:33, that the kingdom and righteousness of God is our priority in life. In Hebrews 12:2 we are called to live keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Jesus himself calls us to abide in Him (John 15:4).

Sin isn’t Paul’s concern here. Instead, the danger is being distracted, not by what is evil, but by something that is good yet detracts from our devotion to Jesus. We may still be Church-goers, even read the bible. But our focus has drifted to something other than Him.

This passage moved me to look back through the years and ask myself if a good thing ever undermined my focus on Christ. The answer was painful. Sailing and racing boats, woodworking, even studying theology as an intellectual challenge! Each had my focus for a period, and I see now distracted me from a deepening devotion to Christ.

Marriage can bring great joy in life. It is neither bad nor sinful. It is good to love your wife as Christ loved the Church. But in Christ, the two become one. If together as one they are devoted to Him, there is no distraction to be avoided. But Paul is right; we need to be cautious that a great hobby or interest in something good does not take Jesus’ place in our lives.

Is your devotion to Christ undivided?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31 ESV)

In this day of self-centered living and pleasure-oriented lifestyle, the total commitment to God of body, mind, and possessions portrayed in this text is difficult for many Christians to achieve. Even though we realize that we have nothing we have not received and that we are only stewards of the good gifts God has entrusted to us, we often fail to apply this basic truth to our daily lives. (Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996, p. 256).

Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

–Frances Ridley Havergal, 1874

Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:11)

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It is good for me . . . (Psalm 119:71 NASB)

I keep hearing what I believe for many is today’s most popular song of praise. The title, words, and message are all simply; “God Is So Good.”

At first, I found myself questioning this simplicity. Read more

“How can I know God’s will for my life?” This is a question I have been asked repeatedly through the years. Of course, Read more

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10: 31 NASB)

Paul challenges the believers in the Corinthian church with these words; “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable . . . not all things edify.” (1 Cor. 10:23) What is he talking about?

We are told in Genesis that God created us in His image. Humanity is blessed not just with a form of life, but rather with life that, like God, can reason, choose and act to fulfill the choice made. Read more

Teach me your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11 NASB)

We often wake knowing that our day, or perhaps the week ahead, has much that must be done or should be done or we would like to do. Sometimes we also know there are demands or uncertainties present. These can cause us to begin questioning whether we can meet the challenges they may bring. Read more

God is a spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.  (John 4:24)

The Samaritan woman, knowing Jesus was Jewish, tried changing the difficult and personal direction their conversation had taken. Jesus used this opening to help her realize her need and that worship isn’t just going to a designated place or joining in a ritual. God’s people are, of course, called to not fail to gather together (Heb 10:25) but this in itself isn’t the extent of worship. Read more