Going Home

1 Corinthians 7
And they use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
1 Corinthians 7:31


LET IT GLOW

It was late, the night of August 23, 1997. I was standing beside her hospital bed when my mother said, "Tomorrow I'm going home." My rebuttle was, "No Mom, you're going to have surgery tonight and will stay in the hospital." Little did I know at the time that she spoke the truth. Within a few hours,  the next morning, Mom did go home, not to her little house on the country road, but to her eternal home in heaven. To which home was she referring that night? I'll ask her one day.

In the NLT, verse 31 reads,"Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away."

Rick Warren, in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, says:

Compared with other centuries, life has never been easier for much of the Western world. We are constantly entertained, amused, and catered to. With all the fascinating attractions, mesmerizing media, and enjoyable experiences available today, it's easy to forget that the pursuit of happiness is not what life is about. Only as we remember that life is a test, a trust, and a termporary assignment will the appeal of these things lose their grip on our lives. We are preparing for something even better.
"The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever."
2 Corinthians 4:18 (MSG)
The fact that earth is not our ultimate home explains why, as followers of Jesus, we experience difficulty, sorrow, and rejection in this world. It also explains why some of God's promises seem unfulfilled, some prayers seem unanswered, and some circumstanses seem unfair. This is not the end of the story.
When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death you won't leave home-you'll go home.

Mom went home that morning, to her eternal home. Some day I will do the same and so will you. Are we prepared? The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ.


LET IT GROW

Verse 17, NLT, says,"Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you."

Verse 35, NLT, states,"I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best with as few distractions as possible."

Jerry Falwell told us in Liberty Bible Commentary:

There is no special reason why a believer should change his occupation or position in life subsequent to being saved. When applied to marriage, this simply means that there is no reason why a believer should put away his unbelieving spouse.
But what of the situation where the unbeliever takes the initiative in dissolving the marriage? There is no conflict here between Paul's advice and that of the Lord in Matthew 5:32. The point is that the divine standard cannot be imposed upon the unregenerate. There is nothing the believer can do but submit to the divorce. Paul does not justify the divorce, even though the believing partner is free. Rather, there should be every possible effort on the part of the believer to avoid the separation if possible.


To sum it up, Paul says to the Christian, if you're single, it's better to stay single so you can spend more time serving the Lord and pleasing Him. If you can't stay single, that's okay, then marry. If you're married to an unbeliever who wants to stay married, then do it. That's okay, too. If the unbeliever wants a divorce, then  that's that, you're free.

Into which category do you fall? I'm married to a believer, and we're staying married. The main point I get from this chapter is to follow the Lord in whatever your situation.


LET IT GO

Make sure I'm ready to go home, to meet Jesus.

In whatever marital situation, stay faithful to the Lord/ and spouse.