Singleness – Keeping It Real

Friday, January 31

Singleness – Keeping It Real

And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.  1 Corinthians 7:35

There are many attitudes towards the issue of singleness, and some of them can be unhelpful, and even harmful. I would like to share a few thoughts from I Corinthians 7:32-35. I encourage you to read during your own personal devotional time (click here). In his belief that the days were urgent for committed service to the Lord, Paul personally saw singleness as an advantage. In a very ‘keeping it real’ straightforward way, Paul wrestled with the cost and the benefit of married life, not opposing marriage, but concluding that the state of singleness, could give an advantage to Kingdom business.

Marriage is good. In fact it is a God-ordained covenant and a safe place for procreation. It is not wrong to look forward to these things, but the challenge is to find true peace with God whether He is directing you to singleness or marriage. There is no added prize to be won for either. In fact, I believe it is equally important, within the Body of Christ for all of us to fully respect both states, seeing neither as inferior nor undesirable, but fully welcoming each other as valid members of God’s family.

For those walking in singleness, but retaining a desire for marriage, there will often be pain associated with loneliness, disappointment, the unfulfilled hope for sexual intimacy and parenthood, and often a sense of isolation even within the church. Jesus understands all these difficult areas. He asks those troubled by such issues to place their singleness fully into His hands, seeking God’s perfect plan for their comfort, fruitfulness and fulfillment of destiny.

Prayer for today: Father, help us all to see both our married and single brothers and sisters as precious members of the Body of Christ. Each one needing encouragement to fulfill their personal destiny in the challenging journey of faith. I also pray for those feeling troubled by their singleness. Lead them to trust in Your plan and find peace. Amen.