BLESSED SINGLENESS!

Being single is not a bad thing. After highschool I remained single for almost 6 years. I wouldn’t have traded those single years for anything. Many of my siblings remained single all their lives. I think Jean remained single mostly by necessity and as the years passed it was just the way it was. She had offers but I believe in the end she would say that she had the best of both worlds. After all she has mothered more children than our mother did. Lloyd and Lonnie never married! Layton and Larry died so young, marriage was just not to be. Our Jennifer has never married, however, if that should come to pass, it would be wonderful, because marriage is a good thing, and so is being single!

Most, who have either chosen to remain single or because of circumstances have remained single, have not felt abnormal about it and nor should they. Jesus Christ, our savior was also single! He understands our innermost needs and calls us to walk in partnership with Him. Those who do, find His yoke easy and His burden light. I don’t know about the world but I do know that when you are in Christ your ‘singleness’ can also be ‘blessedness’.

As a single person you can have a special relationship with Christ, a dedication to His purpose because you have no one else pulling on your strings that demand your attention. The responsibilities of being single are no different than those of any Christian. They can be an influence, or an hindrance to those around them. If they are willing to develop and use their talents in the Church, they can share in the ongoing of the Kingdom of God. They can give more of themselves to God. What a glorious privilege!

The Bible teaches that a happy and meaningful life begins with God. God is more concerned that we belong to Him than whether we are married or single. A fulfilling life is being what and where God wants you to be. It means acceptance of self and circumstances! As we look in 1 Corinthians 7:25-35 the counsel of Paul to remain single was not because he opposed marriage. Paul thought very highly of marriage! Neither did he suggest that singleness was best for all, for all times.

When Paul wrote this passage he was concerned about the impending distress that the church was to face. Paul was suggesting that those who could control themselves with a sincere purpose of devoting themselves to Christian service, to refrain from marriage and all that it entails so they would not be put under additional pressures when the siege came. Paul puts it this way in verse 32-33; "I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man or woman is anxious about the affairs of the Lord. But the married man or woman is anxious about worldly affairs, and how to please each other. Therefore, their interests are divided".

In Luke 2:36-38 there is a short story about Anna, the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. At 33 years old she married and was happy for 7 years. When her husband died she had no one and felt empty and alone. However, God promises in Psalm 68:6 that He will provide for those who are alone and who follow Him. Anna lived 44 years in the Temple serving God exclusively. One day she saw a couple with a child talking with Simeon. She knew immediately who this child was. Her heart pounding inside her breast, she began praising God. Just like Mary Magdalene, Anna spent the rest of her days exclaiming; "I’ve Seen the Lord!"

Take advantage of your single state and become one of those who spend their days exclaiming; "I have all I need and I never walk alone for Christ is with me"! Take advantage of all of God’s promises whatever state you are in and receive His blessings. Take advantage of the life and the pursuit of happiness that is yours in Christ. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/28/08