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29 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; 30 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; 31 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 7:20-31 NIV Bible)
Happy Tremendous Tuesday, dear Friend! Praying this finds you well and enjoying the fullness of life through Jesus Christ.
The late Rev. Dr. E. V. Hill, pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, California, and a native of Texas; born in Columbus and raised in Seguin, once was asked to preach in a very affluent community up North. As he and his wife drove through this town they were amazed at the homes, the cars, the lawns, the richness of the buildings and he commented to his wife, "Something is missing in all this.." She had to ask, "What?" He said, "Graffiti!" She laughed and knew he was up to something. As he began his sermon he again shared his impressions of the homes, lawns, cars, and buildings of this town and said that there was no graffiti and he felt led to paint just one word on all the cars, homes, and buildings. And that word he said, was the word temporary. One can imagine the shock and anger to discover on your brand-new car that word on your side doors of that car. And EV went on to preach a powerful sermon on how the things we place all of trust in, soon fade and die.
The late Rev. Dr. E. V. Hill, pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, California, and a native of Texas; born in Columbus and raised in Seguin, once was asked to preach in a very affluent community up North. As he and his wife drove through this town they were amazed at the homes, the cars, the lawns, the richness of the buildings and he commented to his wife, "Something is missing in all this.." She had to ask, "What?" He said, "Graffiti!" She laughed and knew he was up to something. As he began his sermon he again shared his impressions of the homes, lawns, cars, and buildings of this town and said that there was no graffiti and he felt led to paint just one word on all the cars, homes, and buildings. And that word he said, was the word temporary. One can imagine the shock and anger to discover on your brand-new car that word on your side doors of that car. And EV went on to preach a powerful sermon on how the things we place all of trust in, soon fade and die. The late Rev. Dr. E. V. Hill, pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, California, and a native of Texas; born in Columbus and raised in Seguin, once was asked to preach in a very affluent community up North. As he and his wife drove through this town they were amazed at the homes, the cars, the lawns, the richness of the buildings and he commented to his wife, "Something is missing in all this.." She had to ask, "What?" He said, "Graffiti!" She laughed and knew he was up to something. As he began his sermon he again shared his impressions of the homes, lawns, cars, and buildings of this town and said that there was no graffiti and he felt led to paint just one word on all the cars, homes, and buildings. And that word he said, was the word temporary. One can imagine the shock and anger to discover on your brand-new car that word on your side doors of that car. And EV went on to preach a powerful sermon on how the things we place all of trust in, soon fade and die.
The Short Fuse of Time: Paul knows, as do most of us, that "time is short." This is not a call to start a countdown but a gentle reminder that life is fleeting. And the older one gets the faster it seems that time flies. The call from the Apostle is for us to be intentional, to recognize that our choices hold weight, and to embrace the present moment with an awareness and appreciation, of its preciousness.
Living "As If Not": The paradoxical statements that follow may trouble us at first reading, such as "From now on those who have wives should live as though they had none, those who mourn as though they were not mourning, those who buy as though they had no goods." This isn't advocating for emotional detachment; it's a call to find our true center in something beyond the fleeting joys and sorrows of this world. It's a reminder that our ultimate fulfillment, our greatest treasure, lies not in worldly things, but in our connection with God and the values of His kingdom. A marriage without Christ may be a shallow one. A life lived without the hope of Jesus when it ends, leaves behind more than just grief.
Present, Yet Ungripped: We are called to experience life deeply, to cherish relationships, to mourn losses, and to partake in the world around us. But we are also called to hold these things lightly, recognizing that they are not our ultimate source of purpose or security. We are like sailors catching the wind in their sails, propelled forward but not tethered to the mast. We embrace the journey, savoring the experiences, yet ultimately trusting in the steady compass of God's guidance.
The "present form of this world is passing away," Paul reminds us. This isn't a call to despair; it's a liberation. It frees us from the pressure to chase fleeting trends and find ultimate security in the shifting sands of circumstances. It encourages us to invest in what truly matters – our relationship with God, the building of His kingdom, and the legacy of love we leave behind.
What can we take from this? First, we can live with intentionality. We should recognize the preciousness of time and invest our energy in things that hold lasting value. Second, we should find our true center. We cannot let our worth be defined by worldly possession or fleeting circumstances. We should anchor our identity in God and His love for us. Third, embrace life fully, but hold it lightly. We should cherish relationships, enjoy life's gifts, and experience our emotions deeply, but we should not let them control us. Lastly, we should invest in what matters. How about we focus our energy on building a legacy of love, service, and faith that will outlast the passing world.
PRAYER: Loving God, grant to us the wisdom to live with intentionally, recognizing the fleeting nature of this world and clinging to the truths that endure. Allow us to experience life fully, yet holding to it lightly, always pointing our hearts towards the enteral values of your kingdom. Let us be witnesses to Your love, in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth today living intentionally, investing in what matters and let Your light shine through you.
Receive my love and thankfulness to God,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
