God's Gift To You - Singleness

Having Valentine's day just past, and with new holidays like Galentine's day and Palentine's day on the rise; where you celebrate your favourite girlfriends or pals, the 14th of February has transformed from couples night, to single awareness day, to who knows what's next.

With love in the air, singleness is a concept that has been on my mind quite a bit lately, from having a fellowship program discussing romantic relationships to a retreat on holiness in our relationships. Society has played a great role in influencing how we perceive singleness, I personally have and still struggle with seeing it as a curse, as something that implies failure, and being incomplete. #ForeverAlone was the big thing a few years back, but in scripture, we can see that this idea of singleness has veered far from what God intends.

Paul shares openly about his singleness in 1 Corinthians 7, and addresses this state as a gift from God; a gift at an equal level with marriage. This was something i've heard several times, but as I reflected on my morning devotional on Saturday, I gave the word "gift" a bit more thought. A gift is defined as "a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present". A gift is not something that can be earned, it is just given and hopefully received. Just as we go Christmas shopping for friends and family, our Heavenly Father, the God of all things, the Creator; He thought of you, and picked out a gift for you. One that would be suitable for you, one that was just perfect for you. Just take a minute and think about how special that is! You were appointed with this gift, entrusted with this gift. We shouldn't be going around grumbling and complaining about the gifts we receive; especially ones from the God of good gifts! Instead we should embrace it, cherish it, and make the most out of it.

Both the gift of singleness and marriage have it's benefits and downfalls, i'll focus on singleness as one who is single, obviously. Paul tells us that being single allows us to have an undivided devotion to the LORD. Especially as Christ followers, our lives are committed to the LORD and without children, a spouse, and all that (though they are great blessings), we can fully devote our lives to serving the LORD. So what does that look like practically? What sets apart a single person from a married person?

As someone who is single compared to one who is married/in a relationship, one does not have as much financial strain. One do not need to be feeding several mouths, or clothing many bodies. One can give much more of their money to those in need, in supporting missions, the local church, and ultimately steward what is given to us for the glory of God.

As someone who is single compared to one who is married/in a relationship, one does not have as many commitments and responsibilities. One does not need to worry about scheduling extra-curriculars for their kids, or think about ways to please their spouse. One has much more time and can use their effort towards serving, caring and discipling others.

There are plenty of other applications for the single man or woman! How else can you glorify God in your current relationship status?

We need to change our mindsets. Singleness is NOT a curse, but a GIFT.

On the note of relationships, we had a time of discussion last week at fellowship about topics such as finding "the one", if there is such a thing, or how to discern our call to marriage/singleness. I noticed that a lot of our thinking, in society and as Christians is so focused on what's ahead. Who is the one we are to marry? Where am I called to? Will I have children? Will I be forever alone?

One of the fellowship members responded to the idea of "the One" in a way I don't think i'll ever forget. She noted that instead of always focusing and looking for "the One", we instead should look at ourselves, to build, equip and grow so that we can become "the One" for another person. Not that there is a perfect destined person for everyone, but we should be maturing and working towards being the godly person another person would want to marry. Maybe instead of always focusing on the other person, the spouse or even the future, we should be focusing on ourselves, and the now. Whether if you are single, married, or in a relationship, how can you be using this time right now, the season you have been given to grow and mature, to glorify and serve God?

1 Corinthians 7:20 says, "each one should remain in the condition in which he was called." Maybe its for a season, or maybe its for life, but let us lead the life in which the LORD has assigned us to, to bring God glory in every moment of it.