The Reality of Singleness and Marriage

Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

"I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 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 7:32-35 NIV)

Today, we read about a life decision that everyone must make: singleness or marriage. Paul is clear that neither is a sin and that God is glorified in and through people who choose either path. For many of you reading this you have already made the decision. I know I have, and I love it; marriage is a beautiful thing - a gift from God. However, I realize that God also gives the gift of singleness to some people (like Paul). God is honored in that way as well.

If you read the text clearly, you can see Paul's defense of his position on encouraging believers who have not yet married to remain single. Do you see why? It's just reality. A single person can be completely undivided in serving the Kingdom while a married person is also interested in caring for the needs of his or her spouse. This is true in some regards. Perhaps a single person can take more risks, work longer hours, and go to the hard places of the world. Yes, but...

Hold on! Wait a minute! Consider this: there may be ministry opportunities that are specifically geared for singles, but don't think that exempts those of us who are married from walking by faith. We must live a life of total dependency on Christ married or single. In that case, a family united together around the mission of advancing the Gospel message can take great risks together, work long hours together, and go to the hard places of the world together for the glory of God.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for giving us this challenging word. Thank him for promising to give us everything we need to fulfill his mission in the world. Ask him to fill you with a great faith that will deepen your dependency on him everyday. Ask him to show you the next step. If you are married, then ask him what step is next for your family. If you are single, then ask him what step is next for you.