What does 1 Corinthians 7:26 mean?

Paul repeats the main idea of this chapter again: that Christians aren't mandated to seek radical, artificial change in their lives on account of their faith. And, that there are benefits to being single. This time, Paul adds additional reason for his personal stance. He has repeatedly instructed Christians to remain in whatever situation they find themselves, married or not, circumcised or not, slave or free. He has added several exceptions to this general rule (1 Corinthians 7:17–24).

Now, though, he adds the motivation of dealing with the "present distress" or "present crisis." Bible scholars disagree about what distress, exactly, he means by this. Perhaps the Corinthians have or will soon come under persecution for their faith in Christ. Others believe Paul to be speaking, generally, about the stress that comes from living during the final arc of human history before the return of Christ.

In any case, Paul considers these troubles reason enough not to complicate life further. There is no point in going to great lengths to purposefully change one's circumstances. Keep going on the path you're on, he says. Later in this passage, though, he asks them to think about the extra anxiety and burden that comes with being responsible for and to a spouse.