Definition: And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from 1 Corinthians 7:35. It's a really thoughtful piece about our relationship with God and how we should spend our time. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: “I’m sharing this with you because I want to help you be focused on serving the Lord and not getting sidetracked by anything else.” Let's unpack that a little further: “And this I speak for your own profit…” – This means you are receiving this message, and it’s important for your well-being. It isn’t meant to be a lecture or judgment; it’s about offering guidance. “…not that I may cast a snare upon you…” - This is the crucial part. “Cast a snare” suggests trying to trick or mislead someone. Paul isn't saying he is trying to deceive anyone. He wants to protect you from being drawn away from God. "...but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.” – This is the core message: “Let’s focus our attention on serving God properly, without getting distracted by anything else." “That which is comely” - This refers to living a life that reflects God's character and beauty. It means being good, righteous, and pleasing to Him. It’s about aligning your actions with His will. “Without distraction” – This means staying focused on what truly matters: God. If we get drawn into things like entertainment, gossip, or worldly concerns, it can pull us away from our relationship with Him. In a nutshell: Paul is encouraging you to be dedicated and purposeful in your worship of God. He wants you to spend your time and energy on things that honor Him and lead you closer to Him. Think of it like this: It’s about prioritizing your relationship with God above all else, so you can truly experience His grace and blessings. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of things that might distract us from serving God?