Before, “I Do”

1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Many people naively think that marriage will solve all their problems. Here are some problems marriage won’t solve: (1) loneliness, (2) sexual temptation, (3) satisfaction of one’s deepest emotional needs, (4) elimination of life’s difficulties.

Marriage alone does not hold two people together, but commitment does – commitment to Christ and to each other, despite conflicts and problems. As wonderful as it is, marriage does not automatically solve every problem.

Whether married or single, we must be content with our situation and focus on Christ, not loved ones, to solve our problems.

(Life Application Study Bible pg. 2007)

Good For Nothing

Matthew 5:13-16

What good is seasoning, that has no flavor? Would you sprinkle meats with herbs and spices that taste like nothing? As believers, we are the salt of the earth. Just as salt flavors, preserves, and stabilizes meats and other foods, those who profess holiness are to do likewise in the earth. The duty of the church is, to add flavor to dull situations or circumstances, preserve the word of God in our hearts, and stabilize our foundation in the Lord through the holy Spirit. So, the next time someone says, “you’re being a little salty”, simply reply, “I’m just doing my job.”

No Shame

Hebrews 12:2

Why do we suffer? Well, there are a few ways to respond to that question. Typically, many suffer from shameful decisions they made in their past. Others suffer indirectly from the choices made by someone else. We live in a fallen world, and a great number of us suffer simply for doing the right thing.

The Bible reads in 2 Timothy 3:12, the godly shall suffer persecution, so it’s inevitable that those who walk after righteousness will undoubtedly endure seasons of hardships in the earth.

While our suffering, at times, seem to drain us of all our energy and motivation, consider the suffering Jesus endured, on our behalf. When we go through hard times, we tend to duck and cover, while trying to avoid people, and keep them out of our business, but Jesus endured horrendous suffering without shame. While we cry and moan over late bills or not having enough money to buy gas, Jesus was beaten, bruised, battered, spit on, abused, tortured, and made a public spectacle. Yet, He took it without shame. Jesus endured the brutality of wicked men, so that you and I could have the penalty of our sins forever forgiven, and be reunited with the Father, as He originally intended. So, the next time you consider complaining, think on the night, when Jesus carried His cross, and took all that pain and suffering for you.