"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 Corinthians 7:35
When we read 1 Corinthians 7 Paul discloses choices pertaining to life in order not to be distracted from our devotion to Christ. We all have different types of distraction. Here in this particular verse Paul is encouraging people to remain single in order not to have concerns about the things of this world. He says if married, remain married, but if single it is better to remain single if you have self control. Yet, he says it is better to marry than burn with passion.
No matter whether I was single or married I strived to secure undistracted devotion for my Lord. My husband and children did not distract me from the Lord. In fact it kept me abiding and seeking Him moment by moment. I could not be a wife or mother according to my natural instincts. Any wife who is a homemaker and mother empties her life out daily as a living sacrifice. Apart from the Word of God and His Spirit I wasn’t capable of fulfilling my roles day after day.
Jesus said in John 17:19:
"For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves may also be sanctified in truth."
If a wife and mother does not sanctify herself daily in God’s Word, her husband and children will not be sanctified in truth as far as it depends on her. This is true for all of us in our daily lives, and how we impact others.
Paul says I do not tell you this to put a restraint upon your life, but quite the opposite. The Bible tells us truth is what sets us free! "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17) Let us all promote what is appropriate according to His Words that we might truly secure undistracted devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy of first place in all things.
In His love.
Teresa Roberts
Masterpiece Fitness
276-237-6680
Photos taken from an incredibly, wonderful week on Topsail Island, NC. It is always a haven of rest for my soul and spirit as it reveals a strong presentation of the love and goodness of our Father.
