The year before I was born, an album and song were recorded that began a rock ‘ n ‘ roll group’s very long, popular career. “Please Please Me” was the name of The Beatles’ first album and hit. The not-so-subtle request in the title stands in opposition to the selfless sacrifice presented in this paragraph.
The unmarried man is concerned about how he can please the Lord (32). The married man is concerned about how he can please his wife (33). The unmarried woman and a virgin are concerned about how they can please the Lord (34a). The married woman is concerned about how she can please her husband (34b). Each is devoted to please please someone else (35).
Apostle Paul’s intent is to display the benefit of remaining single, which is that they can be fully dedicated to the Lord (35). His desire, if the person is called to live an unmarried life and has self-control, is to remain single (1-2, 6, 9).
My intent is for myself to look at where I am now and set my devotions. Am I concerned about myself? My spouse? My Lord? Am I a branch producing fruit for the Lord, or do I need to prune unproductive, self-serving stems that suck time and energy away from pleasing my Lord and my spouse? Am I expecting my Lord and my wife to please please me? Am I devoted only to myself?
