Rent. Food. Garden. Repairs. Vehicles. Furnishings. Clothes. Medicines. Glasses. Outtings. Chickens. Flowers.

On and on the list could go of things I care about or should care about. And they are all things of this world.

How spiritual is that?

It could be very spiritual, if it is done joyfully and unto the Lord with the intent of meeting my “husbandly” calling:

“But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:33).

Interestingly, the preceding verse declares this “single” obligation: Care for the things of the Lord and be pleasing to Him.”

Whether single or married, God allows no room for self-centeredness.

(I wonder if young women should use verse 32 to measure suitors to determine if they would make good “Verse 33” husbands.)

“Sold!” With that shout and the crash of the auctioneer’s hammer, one’s life became another’s.

That slave had to live to the glory, pleasure, and benefit of the master. Generally speaking, being a slave was not his choice. That condition was imposed on him.

Is that the relationship God wants with me?

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

It could sound that way. But, no, God doesn’t not want us as slaves who have no say in the relationship.

God wants me to choose total surrender to Him — out of love, out of gratitude for what He has done and wants to do for me.

Does He see me as one who is His and who glorifies Him with his body and spirit?

If so, He rejoices. If not, He grieves.