THE GIFT OF SINGLENESS
But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. So I say to those who aren't married and to widows—it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can't control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It's better to marry than to burn with lust.
1 Corinthians 7:7-9 (NLT)
Have you ever heard someone speak of the gift of singleness? It's become a somewhat common term, especially in church circles. If someone isn't married, they just have the gift of singleness. But to the person in that season, it might feel like anything but a gift. They're desperately longing for someone they can share their life with. I remember being in my early twenties and wanting to find a wife. I went on blind dates, constantly put myself in social situations where I could meet women, and even tried online dating. The gift of singleness wasn't one I wanted.
However, looking back with some perspective, I see God used that season to form me. I wasn't ready to be a husband yet—I was still much too immature and unfocused. Had I gotten married then, I would have unfairly looked to my spouse to complete me in some way. But in truth, only God can speak into the depths of our souls. He alone is the source of our identity.
In the passage above, Paul communicates that he wishes everyone were single like he was, not out of pettiness or jealousy, but out of an ability to more clearly focus on advancing the Kingdom (see 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 for more). It's good, right and healthy to focus on your spouse if you're married. We're not called to neglect them for the Kingdom! But the reality is when you're rightfully devoting time and energy to your spouse (and kids), you're unable to have as singular a focus. So, if you're in a season of singleness—make the most of that season for the Kingdom. If you're married, love and honor your spouse well, but don't take marriage as a pass for advancing the Kingdom.
APPLICATION: What season of life are you in currently? How can you be working to advance the Kingdom? What practical opportunities has God placed before you, perhaps uniquely, that you cannot ignore? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in the various seasons of life. Help me to keep my eyes on You in the ebbs and flows of each season. Grow within me a desire to be an active ambassador for Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?