fun and mission

29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who are married should live as if they were not; 30 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; 31 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 (TNIV)

Fun along with laughter are part of God's lot and blessing for people on earth (Ecclesiastes). This is part of our humanity. And it is especially helpful in that the problems, cares, sorrows and evils (along with complexities) of this life and world can bog us down with heavy burdens. Not what God has for us in Jesus, who promises the weary and burdened, rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

At the same time, we in Jesus are to be those on mission. It is one of taking up our cross, in this world, in following Jesus. It is one of doing good, and bringing his life to all. It is a mission to those who are desperate in need, spirtually- and many physically. It is a spiritual battle, fraught with, at times, what seems to be overwhelming odds against us, and plagued with difficulties. A time that calls for at least much prayer, and maybe at times- fasting.

Paul, in the above passage, does not at all deny using the things of this world. Only becoming engrossed in them, as if that is all there is, is what he is against. We enjoy God's creation, as he makes clear in other writings, but we do so as those on mission.

With a spring in our step, and some laughter in our voices, let us be- and go out- on mission, as those who would be God's light in Jesus to a dark world. Let's be those on mission, and don't miss the fun along the way. Amen.