Sanctification Through All Familial Circumstances
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 7:8-16 (NASB)
8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
10 But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband 11 (but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife.
12 But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. 15 Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?
SUMMARY
Paul recognizes the benefits of singleness but also of marriage, which is according to how God gifts us. He explains, first to the unmarried people, that it is good for them to remain unmarried, like him. However, he explains it is better to marry than to fall into sexual immorality (like some of the Corinthians at the time). He then addresses the married people, and his message is clear: do not divorce and keep unity as much as possible. Even for those with unbelieving spouses, Paul encourages them not to divorce. He stresses the importance of union under marriage and oneness in the body. He explains that an unbelieving spouse and children may be sanctified as an outcome of the familial relationship with the believer. He encourages the Corinthians to trust in God’s call for us to peace and sanctification of the family through unity.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Paul nurtures the Corinthians who are discouraged by their various situations. Some are unmarried, some are widowed, some are married, and some are married to unbelievers. Although the Corinthians are seeking for a “better way” spiritually, God’s message (v.10 “not I, but the Lord”) is clear: do not divorce. I suppose many Corinthians asked questions that many believers still ask today. Would one be “more holy” if they were married? Would one be “more holy” if they were single? Would one be “more holy” if they perhaps married a believer? All are valid questions. But Paul recognizes the benefits of all scenarios, because God is a God of all scenarios regardless of which path we are on. One scenario is in the case of the spouse who married an unbeliever. God calls them to unite in oneness with their spouse, and through this holy union, even their children will inherit the benefits of holiness. Paul leaves a hopeful question to all of us in verse 16. How would you know, dear believer, if you will save someone due to your obedience?
When I first read this passage, I could not relate to Paul’s message for the Corinthians. After all, I am not married, and do not ponder much about it. However, as I asked God to reveal His words to me personally, I found myself pondering many questions just like the Corinthians. Would I be more effective as a believer if I were physically at school (since I am currently teaching from home)? Would I be a better role model if I met people like I normally do pre-Covid? Would I be “more holy” if I married someone?
I believe God works in my current circumstances, not a year from now, not “back then”, and not when “things get sorted out.” He is working with me and through me today! No matter how difficult, or insignificant, my circumstances may be. I am hopeful (and fully satisfied) because He is who He is, and though my world is ever changing and the world shifts under my feet, He is constant.
APPLICATION
First and foremost, I will remind myself daily that God is unchanging. His words are true, and as it is written in Isaiah, His words will not return to Him empty, and it will accomplish what He desires “and achieve the purpose for which [He] sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11) Even during this time of hyper-political culture, pandemic debates, and working from home, I will trust that God’s ways and His unique plans for us will prevail. Since I started teaching online, I have consumed myself with work and allowed it to define who I am. In order to combat this type of thinking, I will start and end my days with Jesus and seek his advice on even the “little” or “insignificant” things. Lastly, I will not ponder about the worries of tomorrow and the circumstances of my future. Instead, I will ask Jesus to highlight the ways I can use my current surroundings to glorify Him.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for being who you are. Your words are true, and they give me the power to breathe and live out each day. You are a God who loves unity in my family and my community. You have placed me exactly where I need to be, and there are no mistakes with you. Although the going gets tough, and I get discouraged, I pray for strength and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Father, let me bury myself with your word so that I may not look to other situations or wisdom which comes from the world. Please ignite holiness and oneness in my family, so that we may be pleasing in your eyes. You are a God who plans the very seconds of my days, so help me Jesus, to let my inner worries go, and focus on the situations in front of me. May your presence dictate whether I eat or sleep each day. Dad, thank you for knowing what is best for me, even when I cannot see it. You are my God, and I believe your goodness will follow me all the days of my life.
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