In our New Testament lesson (1 Corinthians 7:29-8:13), the Apostle Paul is finishing his answer to one question the congregation raised and taking up the next.

1 Corinthians 7 – They had asked about the single and married life.

1 Corinthians 8 – They had asked if it was permitted to eat food sacrificed to idols.

Ultimately, the answer to both questions is found in a phrase in the Greek in 1 Corinthians 7:39. The New International Version says the husband has to be a believer. The English Heritage Version provides a more literal translation:
 
A wife is bound to her husband for as long as he lives, but if the husband has died, she is free to be married to any man she wishes, only in the Lord.
 
“Only in the Lord” modifies all that a person does.

• If you are single, live “only in the Lord,” celebrating your opportunity to focus your attention on serving the Lord and always seeking to please him.
• If you are planning to get married, marry “only in the Lord,” seeing this as an opportunity to serve the Lord in this new relationship.

That is also an excellent phrase to remember as you approach things that God has neither forbidden nor commanded (1 Corinthians 8).

What is the deciding factor? “Only in the Lord.” Am I making my choice as part of my service to the Savior?
 
It is never “all about me,” but it is always “all about the Lord” and serving him in love and serving others in love. "Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up."
 
Only in the Lord -- Applying it to my thoughts about others
 
As I pondered our Old Testament lesson (1 Kings 1) this morning, I tried to imagine how age had impacted the once mighty King David.

• Was David needing nursing home care his wife Bathsheba could no longer provide? Thus the need for Abishag.
• Was he a frail skeleton of a man who was always cold, no matter how hot the fire in the cold Jerusalem winter? Thus the need for someone to hold him as he shivered. Perhaps I am too quickly judging David and his servants, seeing something sordid in the employment of Abishag. 
• Was he losing his ability to serve as king effectively because of his physical weakness or declining cognitive ability? Thus the need for his advisors Nathan and Bathsheba to counsel him. 

This pondering has led me to appreciate again how easy it is for me to judge others. "Knowledge puffs up." 

For years, I have stood in judgment over David... seeing something shameful in the role of Abishag. 

For years, I have stood in judgment over Nathan and Bathsheba... seeing them scheming behind David's back. 

What is the "right" understanding of these events? Honestly, I don't know. Perhaps somewhere in the middle. 

But this pondering has led me to see another application to "only in the Lord." My thinking about others is also to be "only in the Lord." 

• I repent of my own sinful assumptions and claim again God's grace in Christ.
• I remain curious... asking "why"... why do people act the way they do. What is the "story behind the story"? 
• I trust that the LORD is still in control, accomplishing his plan and purpose.
• I pray for the wisdom of King Solomon, assuming the best motivations in others and still being prepared to correct if necessary.

It is odd... stepping into aged King David's bedroom and seeing it from a different angle has prepared me to step into the lives of others today... with God's help letting "love build up" rather than my "knowledge puff up."

Lord Jesus, help me live today “only in the Lord,” serving you and serving others in love. Amen.