“Time is Short”

Among all of our readings about relationships this week, I was intrigued by this short paragraph:

“What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 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 Cor. 7:29-31).

The thought crosses my mind that Paul was wrong.  Here we are 2000 years later.  Was the time really short?

The answer is Yes!

First of all, time is short for each one of us.  Our lives are like a vapor, here one moment and then gone the next.  Our lives are too short to live engrossed by the world.

Secondly, each generation should live with this expectation of the imminent return of Jesus.  We don’t want to be caught neglecting the work with which Jesus has entrusted us.

The clock of this world is ticking.  It will one day be judged.  In the light of eternity its time is short.

So what’s the point of Paul’s paragraph?  We should not be so attached and consumed and engrossed by the things of this world that we are not prepared for the next.  It is a good corrective for us, as we are far too attached to this world and not nearly concerned enough about the next.

Kip