1 Corinthians 7:29-33
29 But this I say, brothers, the time is short. It remains that those who have wives should be as though they had none; 30 those who weep, as though they did not weep; those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; those who buy, as though they possessed nothing; 31 and those who use this world, as though they did not make full use of it. For the form of this world is passing away.
32 But I prefer that you have no concern. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. 33 But he who is married cares for the things of the world, how he may please his wife.
34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
Paul urged the believers to not regard marriage, home, or financial security as the ultimate goals in life. As far as possible, we should live unhindered by cares of this world, not getting involved with burdensome mortgages, budgets, investments, or debts the might keep us from doing God’s work.
A married man, as Paul pointed out in verse 33, must take care of his earthly responsibilities, but he should keep them modest and manageable. His wife and family, after God, are his first priority.
Both husband and wife, being equal in the marriage, are to concentrate on pleasing each other. Marriage is a partnership, and like any good partnership each partner must respect and serve the other. Neither partner should take on a burden that will hinder or hurt the other.
Love, caring, and understanding are always the first priorities in any marriage.
LIFE FROM A CHAPLAIN'S POINT OF VIEW 