"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

I have lived through the years that moved from "Laugh-In" to "Saturday Night Live". These years were filled with the hopes a four day work week and tons of fun on the other three days. The bumper sticker said it all with these words: "He that dies with the most toys wins". In the light of this present world passing away, when will we ever get serious about what really matters?

Since Paul had been very clear about marital commitments in Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3, I am sure that his comments here were about the balance of life in light of eternity. He counseled the believers to deal with "the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them." Rather than laughing away our grief and finding ways to be entertained with new gadgets, Paul reminds us "that the time is short". When will we ever get serious about what really matters?

When was the last time you took inventory of your life my friend? On what do you spend your time and money? Are you of the misguided persuasion that you will always have tomorrow to live for God? Have you been duped by the world to "eat, drink and be merry" and "you only live once, so get all the gusto you can"? One thing is true; you do only live once, but only what is done for Christ will last. When will you ever get serious about what really matters?