“Now, concerning what you wrote about unmarried people: I do not have a command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is worthy of trust. Considering the present distress, I think it is better for a man to stay as he is. Do you have a wife? Then don’t try to get rid of her. Are you unmarried? Then don’t look for a wife. But if you do marry, you haven’t committed a sin; and if an unmarried woman marries, she hasn’t committed a sin. But I would rather spare you the everyday troubles that married people will have.” 1 Corinthians 7:25-28
In this letter, Paul responds to the church at Corinth, who wrote to him with questions regarding marriage. My purpose here is not to discuss the pros and cons of marriage, or how they apply to us in the 21st Century. What is often missed, is the humility and caution taken by Paul, as he instructs the church, on this most personal and sensitive of issues. Paul could have used his apostolic authority to coerce those believers into submission—to his will. It speaks volumes that he refused to go beyond what God said on the matter. Even the highest position of church leadership does not come with absolute authority over the lives of God’s people. Failure to acknowledge this gives rise to cults and other forms of spiritual abuse.

Dear Lord, Your Word says that those who would be greatest in the kingdom must also be servants. Remind us that a call to ministry requires humility and submission to the Spirit. I pray that those who lead will follow the Biblical example, so that the church will be edified, and you alone will get the glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

For further study:
Mark 9:35
Mark 10:42-45
John 13:3-5; John 13:12-17
Jeremiah 3:15
1 Corinthians 11:1 / Philippians 3:17
Acts 20:30 / 2 Corinthians 11:13
Jeremiah 23:1 / Ezekiel 13:3