I think we all know a person who is committed to getting their money’s worth out of everything. Buffets get a few passes and something goes home in the purse or the pocket. Socks are worn until there are more holes than sock. Free samples are taken, regardless of interest. They may have even sat through a time share presentation for a “free” vacation (true commitment, indeed).

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 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

The apostle admonishes us here not to get too hurt by or too enthralled by the world and all that is in it; these are temporary things. What we ought to do instead is handle them as much as we need and no more. The word he uses in the Greek says “use excessively” or “use as if to use up” hence the good old KJV saying “abuse” in this passage.

When we handle the things of this age, we handle them in a way that respects their maker and regards their temporary nature, but we don’t have to
get our money’s worth. After all, we will freely enjoy much better things eternally in Heaven.

Ethan Kirl