interacting with a world that is passing away

1 Corinthians 7:25–31 (NIV) — 25 Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. 27 Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. 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.

Paul continues his conversation about marriage and being content in the situation we are in. This appears to be addressed to those who are engaged to be married. We find his general answer in verse 26: Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. The “present crisis” was likely some form of persecution.

In verses 29-31 he counsels people to live as if their situations were different: have wives as if they did not, etc. Paul is referring to a “holy indifference” to the world and everything in it.

Those who have wives should live as if they do not. Does this mean that married people should be dating others? Obviously not. The point Paul is making is that our relationships should make no difference to how we follow Christ. Are you in one or more relationships that pull you away from Christ rather than to him? How can you live as a believer in that situation?

Those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not. The mourning or happiness Paul is referencing here comes from the things of the world, or of this life. How might our sadness or joy over temporary things in this life affect how we live as believers? How can we keep good times and bad times in perspective with following Christ?

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. Possessions in general and money in particular are the gods of our culture. How can we keep our attachments to things or money from taking hold of us? How do you keep perspective with the things of this world?

For this world in its present form is passing away. When Christ comes the world will pass away, and we know that can be at any time. It’s helpful to remind ourselves of that from time to time.

Perhaps you would like to talk with Christ about how you interact with the world that is passing away.