I Cor. 7:29-35
v. 35b ".that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord."

Paul once again calls our attention to the fact that our present world, while real, is only a shadow of the "realness" of the world to come. We get so engrossed in our possessions, our relationships, and all other things of this world that we lose sight of the fact that this present world is "passing away."(v. 31)

So when Paul says "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.", is he really calling us to pretend we're not married and never act happy? No, He's trying to remind us that time is short, and we must devote our lives and our time to things that will have an impact on eternity.

I find this so difficult to keep in perspective. So many things of this present world demand my attention. Lord, help me develop the discipline I need to give my undivided devotion to you and to things eternal. "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." (Psalm 86:11)