Adopting a War-time mindset

I Corinthians 7:25–31
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Paul now turns his attention to those about to be married: the betrothed. Jesus never gave instruction for those about to be married (v. 25a). Paul was confident, however, that his counsel, through the Holy Spirit, would be accurate and helpful (v. 25b). The question was, “Must a Christian get married?” The extreme Jewish view was that it was a sin if a man reached twenty years of age without being married. Paul refers to a “present distress” (v. 26). Later he says, “the appointed time has grown very short” (v. 29), and he concludes saying, “for the present form of this world is passing away.” (v. 31). What does he mean? It’s been 2,000 years and we are still here, so how can the time be “growing very short”? And what does this all have to do with marriage and betrothal? 

Paul is suggesting that we should adopt a “war-time” mindset. In war-time people make their choices differently than they would in peacetime. In war, there are no simple decisions; each decision takes on new relevance. The fact that we’re at war and that Jesus could return at any moment should affect the way we live life. So do not look for a reason to separate from your spouse, and do not jump into a new marriage blindly (v. 27). You are at war with an invisible foe who wants to destroy you. But if you have thought it through, and if there is no sin involved, by all means, marry your fiancé (v. 28a). Just make sure to go into it with both eyes open. You are at war, and the devil will surely attack your marriage (v. 28b). Finally, be sure that your priorities are in the right place, whatever you do (vv. 29-31). You can’t take your marriage with you into heaven (Matt. 22:30), nor your emotions, nor anything you would buy or sell here on earth. This world is passing away (v. 31). 

Application

Do I make decisions in accordance with a “war-time” mindset? And I living as though Christ could return at any moment?