Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 7:32-40. Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+7&version=NASB
I quote only the following verses.
“But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 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.
A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 and 39-40.
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Today’s Scripture and devotion focuses on the benefits of being single.
Likewise, we read earlier in this chapter the following verses.
“Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you.” 1 Corinthians 7:25-28.
“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.” Verse 35.
We remember the story of Mary and Martha and how we can be worried and bothered about so many things when only one thing is necessary.
“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42.
Although today’s Scripture and devotion focus on the benefits of being single, we should remember the benefits of being married in my devotion written on April 22, 2020. Here is a link to it followed by a few quotes – https://reformeddoctrine.com/2020/04/22/however-each-man-has-his-own-gift-from-god-one-in-this-manner-and-another-in-that/
“Today’s Scripture teaches us that “each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.” Verse 7. (1 Corinthians 7:7).
It is a gift from God to be single.
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But, it is also a gift from God to be married.
“An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.” Proverbs 31:10.
“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3.
“Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
Within your house,
Your children like olive plants
Around your table.” Psalm 128:3.
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4.
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In summary, it may take a lifetime to understand what is God’s gift and will for us. We can pray for what type of gift that we want. But, most importantly, we trust in the LORD with all of our heart and do not lean on our own understanding. We do not reserve our happiness until we obtain what we want. We are happy if we are single, and we are happy if we are married. God does not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. In any event, what is most important is that we reach heaven.”
In conclusion, whatever gift that we receive from God, let us remember: “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17.
“It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:22.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 