Here Paul gives us a twofold perspective of the world: (1) Time is short, and (2) the world as we know it is even now in the process of passing away - it is like a play or a pageant, and the curtains are even now falling. Everything in the Christian's life here below is to be viewed with this twofold perspective.
Paul lists several categories of the Christian's life: (1) The Christian's dearest relations - such as his spouse. The Christian is to be married, and yet in another sense not married. That is, he is never to allow his earthly tie of marriage to come between himself and Christ. He is never to allow his earthly relations, no matter how dear they may be, to keep him from pursuing the main thing. (2) The Christian's earthly losses and sorrows - he is not to grieve overmuch, for all of this is temporary and the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to come. (3) The Christian's earthly joys - he is not to rejoice overmuch. Earthly joys are fleeting, and nothing in this world can compare with the solid joys of heaven. (4) The Christian's activities, job, possessions, etc. - he is to hold on to these things with a 'loose' grip. Soon it will all be gone - we are to lay up treasure in heaven. (5) With regard to ALL earthly things, the Christian is to use the world, but not to the full. The Christian is a pilgrim in this life, and is to use the world, only as it helps him in his journey to the Celestial City.
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Arden Hodgins (March 24, 1964 ~ August 13, 2024)
Biography:
Arden was born to Arden and Edna Hodgins on March 24, 1964 in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. His childhood years were spent in Chester, PA where he attended Christian school with his siblings and spent countless hours...
