Key verse: 1 Corinthians 7:35
And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
Read: 1 Corinthians 7:25-35
Often, when the preacher sermonizes against pleasure, the mind of the congregation or some of them is that the preacher may be wanting to ensnare them. For example, a preacher that says do not fornicate or commit adultery, appears to be driving a congregation away from taking part in some sensual pleasure which if viewed from the stand point of the world is sweet. Yet, it is that the preacher already knows that such pleasure distracts from the full potential of the kingdom. To be able to do the Lord’s bidding, it requires full and rapt attention. Paul in his sermon prefers that men do not marry at all to be able to maximize their potential in serving God. He explains that the one that is married has his mind on his spouse as priority as against the Lord. Meanwhile, God does not play second fiddle in any matter. One marvels when he reads the words of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself when He said: “if any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). What? Then who would be? I will, by His grace.
All that Christ is asking for is the pride of place and not treated to second or third rating. Therefore, whenever we are required to place God in the position of priority that He belongs, it is not to ensnare anyone. It is that once you taste Him, you will know the Lord is good and nothing takes Him away from you. The father, mother, wife, children or siblings whom you prefer to the Lord today can of necessity forsake you when the chips are down. But God will never forsake you. The one who has said He will never leave you or forsake you wants that you place Him above every other being or thing. It is not a snare. Indeed, it is a choice. You may decide to let go and do as you like.
God has alternatives for the assignment. He has preferred you because He loves you. But for you to remain pivotal in the assignment, everything He bars you from stands barred. His statement is not to make you enemy to your kins, no! Just prioritize. When He said: this kind do not go without prayer and fasting, He did not say so to ensnare us but to prepare and empower us. Those who don’t fast at all live in our planet. But in comparison, what do they amount to spiritually? Please adhere to the rules of God. It profits to do so.
Pray:
Father, help me to abide by your rules no matter how difficult it appears in Jesus name.
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