1 Corinthians 7:29-31
“I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none,” vs. 29
Paul probably never dreamed that he’d be getting questions about sex from the congregation in Corinth…but that’s what had happened and now he struggles to answer. We have to give him credit…at least he tries, even though in our context his advice seems hopelessly outdated. We can only pity those who have tried to make a law out of what he says…that avenue leads quickly to confusion and contradiction. What we do have to understand is that Paul honestly believed Christ would be returning soon and that people really didn’t need to be thinking about such things…he even advises married people to give up on sex so that they can be ready for Jesus. As a result of Paul’s ramblings church leaders have frequently made some pretty bizarre judgments about human sexuality. Some have even concluded that sex and sin are inextricably connected. As a consequence guilt and shame have proliferated in the area of our sexuality…and real intimacy has been a challenge. Paul is right in one respect: there are times when for one reason or another abstinence is best. Sex is an amazing gift of God but it can easily be misused…and when sexual boundaries are not clearly established and respected there will pain for all involved.
Thought for the Day: When is sexual abstinence a blessing?
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