The third thing we can say in regard to singleness being advantageous is that singles are disconnected from the cares of this world. In vv. 29-31, Paul gives a general admonition as to how believers should view their circumstances and the world in which they live. His point in these three verses is singular:  Christians should not cling too tightly to this world. He says, "but this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away." Three parts of Paul's thought may be highlighted here.

First, he says the time has been shortened. He refers to the brevity of this life and the fact that in times of distress, the life that is already brief may be even more brief through martyrdom. Of course, application may be made to those whose lives are shortened due to illness as illness is the result of living in a world corrupted by sin. We are to live with a primary focus on the Lord God.

Second, because this life is brief, those who have wives should not get too attached to them. That does not mean that we should not be devoted to our wives or love them as Christ loved the church. Nor does it mean we don't grieve if harm befalls them. Scripture does not contradict Scripture. Rather, it means that we cannot be devastated by the brevity of this life. That may mean losing a spouse for one reason or another. Of course, Paul is simply and generally illustrating the point that as Christians, we are simply passing through this world. It is not our home. We must be devoted to our wives on the one hand, but, on the other, we must serve the Lord first and be aware of the fact that life is short. Therefore, some Christians may want to think twice before marrying. We are to live with a knowledge that this life is fleeting.

Paul's point in regard to weeping, rejoicing, buying, and using the world is the same as above. Mourning and rejoicing over things in this life are temporary. The materials we accumulate will burn up one day. We should live to God's glory with our focus on Him being content in all circumstances. We should not get too reliant upon the things of this world. Our reliance should be upon Christ. We are to live with recognition that we are merely sojourners.

Third, the world itself is passing away. We are to live with a sense that the world is temporary. Moreover, those relationships we establish in marriage, will lose their distinctiveness in eternity as those in Christ will be brothers and sisters. Those who put great hope in drawing comfort from sharing a marriage type of relationship with their spouses for eternity deceive themselves and dishonor the Lord at the same time. Our joy is in Christ both now and forever. Do we derive joy from our spouses? Certainly! Will we know our believing spouses in eternity? Definitely! But, from whence will our satisfaction come? Christ!