“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am… I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:8, 35 NIV).
As we’ve been going through this message series on the family, I’ve been reminded that many of our church family are single people. I’ve also been reminded that all of us begin life as singles and most of us will experience seasons of singleness again. Whether from death or divorce, singleness will find most of us again.
The church’s emphasis on families, couples, and children often leave singles feeling left out. It may make them feel as if there is something wrong or inadequate with them.
But the Bible says that singleness is a gift (1 Cor. 7:7). Singleness is an opportunity for undistracted, “undivided devotion” to God. Rather than viewing singleness as a curse, we can receive it as a gift. And offer that gift back to God.
The Bible basically says this:
Are you single? Good. Stay that way, but live like you’re married to God with all of your devotion focused on pleasing Him.
Are you married? Good. Stay that way, but live like you’re not. At least in the sense that you’re not married to this world. Not married to pleasing your spouse or yourself above God. Live with singular devotion to God.
This coming Sunday I’ll be preaching a message for singles. They’re part of the family too. We can make room for singleness in our lives. It can be a gift when we recognize the Giver.