Central Truth

As redeemed people who were bought with a price, we are called to be faithful followers of Christ in whatever circumstance God places us.

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Reflections

Have you ever walked long distances for many hours? Maybe you were in a charity event, raising money based on the number of miles you covered. Perhaps you went hiking in a national park, camping out under the stars. You may even have been stranded because your car broke down, and the last gas station was several miles back. Last year, my family participated in an event at White Rock Lake called "Carry the Load." It took place on Memorial Day weekend to bring attention to the heavy loads borne by our military and military families in service of our country. To illustrate their sacrifice, participants shouldered weighted packs around the lake for varying periods, some in excess of 20 hours. You can imagine how much they appreciated family and friends who walked beside them, brought refreshments, and sometimes took the load onto their own shoulders. There was no happier moment for the supporters than when they set their packs down.

Today's passage deals with a variety of relationships during a time of "present distress," with key emphases on marriage and singleness (verse 26). I am struck by the sweetness of the Holy Spirit in giving detailed instruction on these topics. The Apostle Paul makes clear that both are worthy callings. In short, whether married or unmarried, be content. See each as an opportunity to walk in a manner that will glorify God, perhaps serving as an instrument in God's hands to lead another to Christ (verse 16). In so doing, it will require sacrifice, faithfulness, and oftentimes shouldering the load for another person that God has brought across your path. At other times, you will be that person from whose back the weight is lifted as others step alongside to walk with you through a trying season. Whether you are the one being helped or the one helping, trust Him to be faithful. As Paul also points out, live each day with the realization that our time has been shortened, making the most of our days in His service as recipients of the manifold grace of God (verse 29).

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Discussion Questions

1. What does it look like to walk worthily in your present circumstances? Compare today's passage with Romans 6:4 and Ephesians 5:8-11.

2. What prevents you today from wholeheartedly embracing your walk as a single or married person? How do you square your attitude with today's passage and Colossians 3:23-24?

3. How is your walk impacted in light of Hosea 2:19-20?

4. How can you help to "shoulder the load" of another person during his or her time of difficulty?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

1 Corinthians 7-11 (June 25-29)

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.

• In verses 1-10, who is the writer talking about?
• Do you remember all the things that happened with to Israelites in the wilderness?
• What does verse 11 tell us about the Israelites?
• What does it mean for something to be an example for you? What about a warning for you?
• Have you ever thought about learning from someone else's mistakes or example?
• What are some things you have learned from other people just by watching them?

Activity: God gave us His Word so that we would have a clear guide on how to live in a way that brings Him great glory. Let's think back on the stories that He gave us as examples and what we can learn from them. For each story, have someone give a short version of what happened in the story and then everyone talk about what we can learn from them.

Stories: Noah and the Ark; Moses and the Red Sea; Eve in the Garden; Daniel in the Lion's Den; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace; Joshua and the Wall of Jericho; David and Goliath.

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