Passing Away

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. – 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Each day we read or hear of tsunamis, cyclones, tornadoes, floods, landslides, blizzards, forest fires, earthquakes, and droughts somewhere in this world. At any moment in time, someone on this earth is suffering loss due to a natural disaster. Any one of us could be affected tomorrow or even today. In spite of all our technology and scientific advancement, this world in its present form is indeed passing away.

Two millennia ago, the apostle Paul understood this truth and cautioned the church in Corinth about clinging too tightly to all that was temporal. “Stuff” like our supposed possessions can certainly be enjoyed, but should not be grasped. Even the relationships that we hold most dear (as many have tragically come to understand) can disappear in a moment, leaving those of us who have lived solely for another person irretrievably devastated by the loss.

Every single “thing” in this world will not last, yet while we as God’s creation do “last,” we must honor God with the "things" we have. Be it a garden, a task, a ministry, or a marriage, we are God’s stewards. As much as it depends on us, He expects us to care well, work hard, and love deeply. May we not cling too tightly to this world, but wholly worship the One who carries us through it.

Be careful to make a good improvement of precious time. – David Brainerd