Husbands & Wives

Written By Betty Predmore

1 CORINTHIANS 7:25-40

(August 12)

Paul continues his quests to answer the questions of the Corinthians and give them the basic principles by which to base their lives. In today's reading, the topic is marriage and the responsibilities of both husband and wife.

Paul knew that married couples would have difficulties. It would be a challenge to uphold the covenant of marriage with all the sin taking place around them. This is true today as well. There are so many opportunities for men and women to stray from their marriage, breaking the covenant they made on their wedding day. Add to that the ease in which one can get a divorce these days, and it's no wonder the divorce rate is so high.

While single men could be free to enjoy doing the Lord's work and concentrate on pleasing him, Paul noted that a married man had to think about the responsibilities he had to his wife and try to please her. His thoughts would be divided between his duty to God and his duty to his wife.

For wives, the same held true. Single women could devote their lives to living for Christ, but those who were married had to devote time and effort to their wifely duties.

For this reason, Paul urges singleness as the best option for as long as possible. That way, the service is all to God. But we all know that mankind is sinful, so he also stressed that if you thought you were going to commit sexual sin in your singleness, you should go ahead and marry. If you live a life for God, you will still do well. The single person might do better, but only because he is not sharing his service and devotion with anything but God.

Paul also noted that once married, a wife was bound to her husband for as long as he lived. Only upon his death would she be free to remarry. Even then, she should be cautious that she is marrying a man who loves and serves the Lord. He wraps that up by also saying it is his opinion that staying single would be her best option.

I have known many widows who have found love again and remarried. They have gone on to have beautiful "second chances" that have brought them much happiness. I think the key to that happiness is found in mutual interests, desires, hopes, and dreams. And to me, the key to that is the desire to love and serve the Lord with all the gifts and opportunities he gives you.

That is my take on the subject. What is yours?

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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