

Distraction and Devotion, 1 Corinthians 7:35
“Distraction” is an English word used once in the New Testament, 1 Cor. 7:35, and its companion, “distracted,” is used once in the Old Testament, Psalms 88:15.
Not so important a word? Well, it is very appropriate for our age. Nonetheless, Paul uses that word when writing to the early Christian church at Corinth. Since “every word of God is pure” (Prov. 30:5), let’s take a snapshot of how Paul uses it and ask, how may it help us today?
But first, if you’re thinking like me, Martha comes to mind; she was a special friend to Jesus. She, Mary, and Lazarus must have enjoyed the company of the Messiah on many occasions. One time is noted when Mary attended unto Jesus’ words as she sat at His feet “and heard His word,” while Martha was “cumbered about much serving.” Martha was distracted, and Mary was devoted (Lk. 10:40-42).
While distraction is not sin, there is a fine line between that and vain worship, idolization, and unbelief. Sometimes, we will read a sign, “Do Not Cross.” Apparent safety and security are yours until you cross the line; then, there is a risk of danger. I suggest we take spiritual risks when distracted from devotion, our primary calling to gospel commands. Paul said, “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called” (1 Cor. 7:20). The Corinthians were exhorted to stay put in their relationships at the choice time they experienced gospel conversion. Their new spiritual joy in believing the truth should not disrupt the household. The believing spouse was to be steadfast. In any household, the believing spouse must steer the ship aright, or he or she may suffer a shipwreck. It’s as though Paul is saying, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Col 2:6).
Obvious perils and trouble followed such conversions. The culture did not like New Testament Christianity. Such distress, persecution, and hate toward the people of God were monumental. Do you know that the same world they lived in is the same today? Though People, places, and names change, “the spirit of the world” (1 Cor. 2:12) is the same. We must abide in the faith under such discouraging times. Now, since “Brevity is the Soul of Wit,” I should not list the myriads of distractions in this snapshot, but I sense the readers know full well how today’s Christians can be caught off guard and be distracted from serving the Lord with devotion and priority.
Paul urged his followers, whether unmarried (those loosed from a spouse) or widows or widowers or virgins (single), not to get married (Cf. 1 Cor. 7:25-27). What does Paul mean by that? Well, it needs to be qualified by the understanding of the intense persecution of that day (Cf. 26). There was just too much pressure outside the church for believers, and families were subject to break-ups, so Paul urged his unwed followers to “abide even as I.” Paul was not married. Though this was his judgment and not a commandment, he spoke with divine authority (Cf. 6;40). Paul did not speak against the obvious needs of those who were already married or those who desired it (Cf. 1-5; 36) but presented another argument considering the hostile environment.
I am not sure that we meet the same outside pressure today, but we are certainly on the threshold of socially harmful, in some cases hateful attitudes toward the Bible and its followers. (A few decades ago, it did not even come to mind how disdain for Christians would become the norm.) But the positive reasons Paul gives are enough to consider during our journey in the world, wherever the timeline of history puts us. And the chief reasons are:
1. Life is temporary and short; in the eternal day, there is no regret or remorse for not having married in our earthly pilgrimage. (Cf. 29-31).
2. Secondly, your dedication and devotion to God, His church, and your sanctification can be without carefulness. (Cf. 32-34).
3. And thirdly, Paul speaks to your own profit, that one can “attend upon the Lord without distraction” (35). Your personal devotion is unfettered by other things often associated with the immediate needs of others.
The basic definition of the word distractions is “Drawn away, encumbered, without solitude, anxiety, and care.” In conclusion, marriage has joy and purpose, and your devotion to God may require much more sacrifice. However, if your station in life is unwed – for whatever reason, this is no excuse for grief or discouragement, use your energy toward a renewed singleness of heart in love to Jesus Christ and devotion to “every good word and work.”
Stephen Aquino
June 23, 2023 |