SINGLENESS

 

 What does God say to those who do not marry?

  BIBLE READING: Matthew 19:1-12

 KEY BIBLE VERSE: Some are born without the ability to marry, and some are disabled by men, and some refuse to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone who can, accept my statement. (Matthew 19:12,)

 Marriage is not automatically better than singleness. 

 Although divorce was relatively easy in Old Testament times (Matthew 19:7), it is not what God originally intended. Couples should decide against divorce from the start and build their marriage on mutual commitment. 

There are many good reasons for not marrying; one is to have more time to work for God’s kingdom.

 Don’t assume that God wants everyone to marry.

 For many it may be better if they don’t. Be sure that you prayerfully seek God’s will before you plunge into the lifelong commitment of marriage. Some have physical limitations that prevent their marrying, while others choose not to marry because, in their particular situation, they can serve God better as single people. Jesus was not teaching us to avoid marriage because it is inconvenient or takes away our freedom. That would be selfishness. But singleness is some of the time a wise choice.

 BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 7:1-11

 KEY BIBLE VERSE: I’m not saying you must marry, but you certainly may if you wish. I wish everyone could get along without marrying, just as I do. But we are not all the same. God gives some the gift of a husband or wife, and others he gives the gift of being able to stay happily unmarried. (1 Corinthians 7:6-7) 

 Both marriage and singleness are gifts from God. 

 One is not morally better than the other, and both are valuable for accomplishing God’s purposes. It is important for us, therefore, to accept our present situation. When Paul said he wished that all people were like him (i.e., unmarried), he was expressing his desire that more people would devote themselves completely to the ministry without the added concerns of spouse and family, as he had done. He was not criticizing marriage—after all, it is God’s created way of providing companionship and populating the earth.

 BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

 KEY BIBLE VERSE: The important thing to remember is that our remaining time is very short [and so are our opportunities for doing the Lord’s work]. For that reason those who have wives should stay as free as possible for the Lord; happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God’s work. Those in frequent contact with the exciting things the world offers should make good use of their opportunities without stopping to enjoy them; for the world in its present form will soon be gone. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) 

With Christ, it is possible to live a fulfilling single life. 

 Some single people feel tremendous pressure to be married. They think their life can be complete only with a spouse. But Paul underlines one advantage of being single—the potential of a greater focus on Christ and his work. If you are unmarried, use your special opportunity to serve Christ wholeheartedly.

 A good reason to remain single is to use the time and freedom to serve God.

 When Paul says the unmarried person does even better, he is talking about the potential time available for service to God. The single person does not have the responsibility of caring for a spouse and raising a family. Singleness, however, does not ensure service to God—involvement in service depends on the commitment of the individual.

(Thanks to the Handbook of Christian Living)