1 Corinthians 7:27-28
Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.
Paul continues to give his opinion about the marital situation of the Corinthians. Living with a sense of expectation of Jesus’ return should cause us to rethink our priorities and lifestyles. Paul was dealing with a church that had a hard time with solid Christian marriages. Their culture was throwing them into confusion on many matters. The Corinthians needed to find a new paradigm for living. Paul’s offer is one of Christ-likeness in holiness and love.
The marriage vow must be taken seriously. Not even ministry should break this vow. Paul points out the challenge of marriage: it takes a great deal of time and energy. The logic is that one cannot be involved in ministry as much when one is married. We should remember that Paul was single and could devote all his time to ministry. In some settings, being married has benefits for more effectiveness in serving others. In other settings, being single offers one significant time to devote to ministry. Each will have its weaknesses as well.
Paul is implying that if someone does marry, make sure that it is to the right person and that it does not interrupt your service to God. Let marriage be a blessing and enhancement to your ministry, not something that pulls you away.
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