Live in Accord With Bible Counsel

13. How should we view Paul’s statement that ‘those having wives should be as though they had none’?

¹³ With the remaining time clearly reduced and the end near, Jehovah’s people need to live in accord with the Bible’s counsel, such as the apostle Paul’s words at 1 Corinthians 7:29-31.

15. Why would it be the height of folly for a Christian to become absorbed in personal matters involving material possessions, and the like?

¹⁵ At 1 Corinthians 7:31, the apostle Paul said: “[Let] those making use of the world [be] as those not using it to the full.” Because people of the world lack a Bible-based hope, they are wrapped up in thinking about their daily needs and ambitions. Often they seek to impress others by means of material possessions. But, as the apostle John made clear, “the showy display of one’s means of life” is one manifestation of “everything in the world” that “does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world.” And John assures us that “the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:16, 17) Hence, it would be the height of folly for any Christian, with the prospect of an eternal future before him, to become so absorbed in personal matters that he has no time left for Kingdom interests. (Matthew 6:25-32; compare Philippians 2:19-22; 2 Timothy 4:10.) Though it is not improper to enjoy beneficial material possessions and even some wholesome pleasure, we must never allow these things to become the focal point of our life.​—Luke 12:15.

16. What attitude and goals do worldly people often have, but what should be of utmost importance to Jehovah’s servants?

¹⁶ It is not uncommon for worldly people, or those lacking true spirituality, to complain about their lot in life. (Compare Jude 16.) If they are sickly, they may always be complaining about not being well. Similarly, the poor may complain because they are not rich. Why, such things as good health and great wealth may become consuming goals in their life! They struggle to achieve them, and failure may sink them into deep depression. But for Jehovah’s dedicated people “sacred service” is of utmost importance. (Romans 12:1, 2) True, although we are servants of Jehovah, we have problems to face. Yet these do not turn us into murmurers, complainers about our lot in life. We have God-given work to do, and to this blessed activity we give foremost attention. Indeed, we are joyful because we keep Kingdom interests first in life.​—Matthew 6:33.

17. As regards possible distractions, what must Jehovah’s people not permit?

¹⁷ What, then, is the wise course for Jehovah’s servants? Well, we can use some things and services the world supplies, but let us never permit distractions to divert us from God’s service. (Luke 21:34-36) Remember that nothing in the present system is permanent. Its very changeableness can be a source of distraction. Yes, as Paul said, “The scene of this world is changing.” (1 Corinthians 7:31) But we must not permit this to distract us from Jehovah’s service.