Being Single

Ron Writes

Very often the modern church has been hard on singles. Are you still single? What’s wrong with you? Are you too picky? Are you not praying hard enough? Our questions betray that we look at singles as less than. There’s nothing wrong with being single. God never requires anyone to be married to be a good Christian.  

Paul said that being single was preferable (1 Cor. 7:7-8). He takes it to the next step. He reasoned that single people have more single-minded devotion to God (1 Cor. 7:32-35).  

We belong to a group started by a single guy. Jesus was single. Paul’s point is made when you consider Jesus’ single purpose. He had undistracted devotion to God. When it comes to serving God, marriage is not required.  

However, Paul warns that not everyone can handle being single. The ability to control our passions is a gift from God. Most can’t do it. Singleness demands celibacy. This is not sustainable for most. If you can’t handle your lusts, then you should get married; each man should have a wife and each woman should have a husband (1 Cor. 7:1-5), but if you control your lusts, then you’re not less of a Christian if you don’t get married.

This means that most will get married. Use your singleness to prepare for that relationship. Develop a Christian worldview. Figure out why you’re on earth. Don’t squander your singleness. We live in a culture that encourages fleshly behavior. Instead, walk by the Spirit. Our flesh is selfish, arrogant, and filled with lust. This is what’s natural. Instead, pursue the supernatural. As a result, part of what the spirit develops within us is self-control.  

Most marriage problems are singles problems. Too many habits that trouble marriages were developed while single. Marriage is as good as your singleness. Whether single or married, our goal is to be totally devoted to God. Start early! Begin while you’re single!

Be single to the glory of God!