Definition: But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 7:32 together. It's a really important and often misunderstood one! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “Don’t worry about the small details of your life – things that aren’t really important to God – and focus on what He wants you to do.” Let's unpack it a bit more: “But I would have you without carefulness…” This isn't saying we should be lazy or irresponsible. It means we shouldn’t get bogged down in worrying about every little thing. “…He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord…” This refers to marriage. “Careth” means to look after, take care of, and this applies specifically to marriage. The “things that belong to the Lord” are things that are right and holy – like following God’s will, being faithful, and living a righteous life. "...how he may please the Lord." This is the key takeaway. It means we should be focused on pleasing God, doing what He wants us to do, and living a life that reflects His character. It's about aligning our lives with His will. Think of it this way: Marriage is a beautiful partnership, but it’s not all about the details of daily life. It’s about being dedicated to serving God and living a way of life that honors Him. Why is this important? Paul is teaching us to let go of our anxieties about things that don't directly impact our relationship with God. It’s about spiritual discipline - focusing on the true priorities. In short, the verse encourages us to be present and focused on what matters most – serving God and living a life pleasing to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of things that might cause worry (and how to shift our focus)?