March 22: Joshua 12-14; 1Corinthians 7

Eternity in View

Scripture: 1Corinthians (NIV) 7:12 …If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him…15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

Observation: Our marriage/our parents’ marriage(s) is/are an important part of our lives. The Bible gives clear instructions about marriage. How are we to face difficult relationships? Are we to run? Are we to give up on our marriage? In the above verses I see two things. First; the breaking of a marriage should never be the believer’s choice. And second; we need to live with eternity in view.

Application: I need to look at my wife, not just what she means to me now, nor what she can accomplish now, but to look at her with eternity in view. How is eternity being affected by her life? What rewards will be awaiting her in heaven? How is her life bringing joy to our Heavenly Father and how can I encourage her in pleasing Him more?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to be a source of encouragement for my wife to live her life in a way that best pleases you. Help me not to hinder her but to encourage her to be all she can be in Your Kingdom. Amen