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Listen to the devotional here: http://bit.ly/2LzzT51
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 7:29-31 NIV)
Happy Tuesday, ConCafe Family! It may yet prove to be a wonderful day of serving God and God's people in ways you ARE prepared for, dear Friend! Make the most of it!
What place makes you think that you are not there long enough to enjoy it? Some may say, my bed! Some may say, the dinner table. With my wife! With my husband! With my animals! Disney World! Whatever your answer, the question is why? We all know that life is short. Even if one gets to live over a hundred years, given the bigger picture of all existence, that is still a short time; yet, from one who pastored a woman approaching her centennial birthday, she kept asking me, as her pastor, "Has God forgotten me?" She missed her deceased husband and quite honestly was tired of living in this realm, and longed for the horizons of the heavenly.
As the Apostle Paul writes, he is repeating the above sentiments about life, but also with the certainty of that which was to come that would prove to be miserable for those who lived under the name of Christians. Paul was convinced that one should spend whatever time they had concentrating on the more important things, namely, those of God. Listen to The Message version of these short verses: "I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don't complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple - in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things - your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out." It is harsh to read to live a married life as though you had no spouse; and should you find yourself mourning, as if you had no reason to; if you are happy, live as if you are not, and so on. Paul is saying, if heaven is on its way to reclaim us, we should prepare and live for that day, not being distracted in things that will soon pass away. For, those whom God has called, to serve, serve! Those whom God has called to love, love! Those whom God has called to preach, preach! Teach, teach! etc. We get the picture.
Keep the main thing the main thing. Remember that from not too long ago? It is stating what Paul is saying; the things of God are eternal, so spend time on those; the things of earth, while pleasant and pleasurable, will pass away soon, and so, concentrate on those things that will last for all eternity.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying time with one's spouse or children, we should remember they have been shared with us by God, and to God we will all one day return. Until then, our job is to ensure that those entrusted to us are prepared for the journey there.
PRAYER: Loving God, prepare our hearts for the enjoyment of things here in ways that prepare us for our time there with You. Help us live productive lives that produce new believers of the new life available in Jesus Christ' in Whose name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Enjoy time with loved ones in ways that speak of the coming glory of God!
Receive my blessings of peace and love,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
