Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: 1 Corinthians 7-8

Today’s reading is First Corinthians 7 and 8, two very different chapters. In chapter 7 we look at marriage and in chapter 8 we look at food sacrificed to idols. As you can see, I was not kidding when I said that they were very different. For context, 1 Corinthians was written by Paul to the church in Corinth to correct behaviors, answer questions, and guide them in living a Christ centered life.

Alright, let’s get into it. I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. Yup, I said it. That’s not just what I believe though, it’s also what the Bible tells us.

“Each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.” -1 Corinthians 7:2

We also read about sexual immorality in this chapter, especially outside of a marriage.

“For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” -1 Corinthians 7:9

I think this is why people used to get married quicker, especially before living together before marriage became normal. Now we live in a culture of hookups, one-night stands, and many partners, and that’s not the way God designed it. But if that is part of your story, there is grace because God forgives when you repent and turn away.

I recently saw a pastor talking about how over 50 couples came forward to get married because they were not living according to God’s design, and they all got married right there in the church, which is honestly so powerful. It happened at a church in Texas where 52 couples responded after a sermon and chose to step into marriage together, which shows how the Holy Spirit can move when truth is spoken. Read more here: Church News | 52 Cohabiting Couples Marry at Texas Church | Christianity Daily

For me personally, my husband and I decided very early on that we wanted to wait until marriage. We were also wary of living together before marriage because we knew of the temptations that would come. If I am being completely honest, part of the reason we got married quickly is because that desire and passion were there, and we wanted to honor God. We also knew we wanted to spend our lives together and were sure we wanted to marry. We did wait until our wedding night, and it made it really special. That being said, we are far from perfect, and I am not sharing this to make anyone feel bad if that was not your experience.

As a mom, this really sits on my heart because I want to raise my kids to understand the value of what God designed, not just follow what culture says is normal. I want them to know their worth, not settle, and see marriage as something sacred and not casual. I want them to grow up seeing what a Christ centered marriage looks like in our home so that when they step into relationships one day, they are rooted in truth, not confusion, not out of fear or control, but from understanding and conviction.

I still fall short in other areas, like we all do, but I do think a lot of issues in today’s world stem from sexual immorality. Some of which are lying, cheating, feelings of hatred, abortion, violence, adultery, pornography, and more. Sex within marriage is meant to be sacred and protected. It is a covenant not just by law but in the eyes of the Lord. Abortion seems to be a large result of sex outside of marriage. Bringing a child into a marriage covenant often changes how it is received, it is celebrated differently and not rooted in fear or uncertainty. That does not mean marriage makes everything perfect, especially if partners are not equally yoked, but it does create a foundation of commitment, trust, and Godliness, like a cord of three strands.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” -Ecclesiastes 4:12

“… Keeping God’s commands is what counts.” -1 Corinthians 7:19

Being equally yoked means “forming relationships, especially in marriage or partnerships, with individuals who share similar beliefs, values, and spiritual goals, fostering unity and growth in faith.” (Bible Gateway) (30 Powerful Bible Verses About Being Equally Yoked (Full Commentary) – Bible Study For You). We do not have to be the exact same though. Verse 7 reminds us that each of us has different gifts from God, and I love that reminder that we are all created uniquely with different callings and purposes. But we still need to line up on the major things, like our faith.

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? … Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” -2 Corinthians 6:14-15

Chapter 8 shifts topics, and while I don’t have as much to say, a couple things stood out.

“Whoever loves God is known by God.” -1 Corinthians 8:3

That verse stuck with me because when you truly love Him, it changes how you live.

“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live, and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” -1 Corinthians 8:6

It’s a simple but powerful reminder that there is one God, and He alone is who we follow.

Discussion Questions

1. How can understanding God’s design for marriage shape the way that you approach relationships today? If you’re already in a marriage or relationship think instead how you can teach your children or grandchildren God’s design?
2. What steps can you take to model Christ centered love for the next generation(s)?

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