WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28
1 Corinthians 7:29-35
Ecclesiastes 9:4-10

"But this I say, brethren,
the time is short…"

TIME IS SHORT!

What did Paul mean by "the time is short" (1 Cor 7:29)? The word "time" (kairos) here refers to a particular season or an opportune time. Paul was referring to the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Saviour is coming very soon! The time to be a witness for Christ is limited. We must grab every opportunity to shine for Him, for soon "the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4).

The words of Paul are a stark warning to those who are married. When a believer becomes immersed in the cares of married life, it is very easy to just focus on the things of the world and lose focus of things above (1 Cor 7:33-34). How do I provide for my family? How do I pay for my residence? And for my children’s education? Soon, the believer may live as though the world will never pass away. He becomes more interested in the accumulation of riches and possessions, than in striving for heavenly things. The reality though is that time is short. Christ is coming again very soon. The believer must lead his spouse and children to live in the light of eternity. He must point them to Christ, and provoke them unto faithful service for God.

The man who is single has an advantage over him who is married in that he can be more focused in serving the Lord (1 Cor 7:32-34). The single man must not be idle, or spend time in ungodly activities. He must use his advantage to further the kingdom of God.

Dearly beloved, if you are single, devote your energy unto the utmost service for Christ. If you are married, make sure you do not lose focus of things above. There is no time to waste, for when the Lord Jesus Christ returns, the opportunity to impact others for Christ is gone. Let us always have eternity’s values in view!

THOUGHT: Work, for the night is coming.
PRAYER: Lord, help me (whether single or married) to be wholly devoted to Thy work.