I want to speak to you about the practical needs of the hour. There are changes in circumstances but some things do not change. Marriage is something I have ordained, but the choice to marry or not is always with the person. There are times when it is better not to marry. There are also times when it is better to marry for what it will accomplish, perhaps not the greatest purpose but an important fruit. Should marriage be made for the release of passion? There are circumstances when pressures towards immorality are great, and believers who are not mature can stumble and fall in those circumstances. I do not make of a child a man or woman. It is a matter of growth. Some are not ready to deal with circumstances. My sons and daughters in Corinth lived in immoral circumstances and they were very young in the Lord. I gave Paul the wisdom to apply to a certain circumstance. Marriage is not to preserve one from immorality. Christian marriage within the framework of fellowship can be a safeguard in an immoral society, but where an immature Christian can learn to direct his passions toward that which is good and grow and represent My standard toward those who are given over to the ways of the world, there is grace in wisdom in Paul’s words. He does not deny the validity of what is best but he condescends to the weakness and limitations of those to whom he ministers to safeguard them in the truth. He holds before them the best but allows for their immaturity and their growth. So you see that grace produces flexibility rather than rigidity, and adapts to weaknesses of immaturity and deals with the reality in which the believers found themselves. He is able to sift through many things that the immature might set as the greatest importance, and show them what is really important.

For example, restraint and control over passions are important even for married persons, especially for times of special devotion. But they should not become occasions for unwise denial or else they may become an excuse for withholding the right to the married partner and in this way gives Satan an opportunity to tempt. It is also good that a man should be free and not a slave, but if he is more preoccupied with being free he will be hindered from serving the Lord. If a free man is preoccupied with his freedom he will fail to recognize his calling as a servant of the Lord. It is good to be free but it is conditional and one must always be willing to be enslaved to the Lord, for that is truly freedom. In this word you have an example to give grace to the weak and to apply the truth to a given situation. It is necessary that you learn to do this. It is too easy to be inflexible and make the truth a matter of bondage. I intend it to be a matter of freedom. Paul received words because he depended on Me to give him wisdom when he did not have a direct word. I can give you the wisdom to apply the truth even when I have not spoken specifically. It is important to make that distinction and to give those instructed the encouragement and liberty to make their own choices. Paul insists they have been freed through redemption and not made the slaves of men. This will be the consequence. It will bring order and liberty. The fruit will not be bondage to the world or legal requirements but a freedom and desire in the heart to please me in all things. This is the kind of ministry I desire of you and you shall have it if you depend on Me for equipping saints for ministry. Take more time in prayer and be ready to listen. You have to learn to ask questions and have your heart ready to receive things.

Have a quiet spirit. You have to be quiet and discern what is really valuable. Pray, listen, be disciplined, do research, ask questions, and the fruit will be good. You will be equipping the saints for the work of service.