By Alex Harrison
The singles event coming in December prompted me to think about this group in God’s Church. You singles are in a stage of the journey of life. Being single is an experience we all have. Sometimes it can reoccur due to losing a mate.
God has always had effective servants who have been single. Righteous Abel had no family. Boaz married quite late in life (Ruth 4:13). Anna the prophetess lived 84 years unmarried (Luke 2:37). Mary, Jesus Christ’s mother, was called when still single (Matthew 1:18).
The question I would like to answer is: How can single Christians serve God more effectively? How can you achieve this while at the same time waiting for God to provide you with a lifetime partner? The last part of Proverbs 19:14 states, “[A] prudent wife is from the Lord.” That can apply to a prudent husband as well. To achieve Christian effectiveness as a single, examine four areas:
1. Remember why you were called
We are called primarily to do the Work of God. This great Work of God is the way He has set before us for each to grow and develop spiritually.
John 6:44 tells us that we have a unique calling to prepare for rulership as a king and a priest (Revelation 5:10). Whatever state we are in, single or married, we are being educated to build God’s World Tomorrow as the Bride of Christ. Our responsibility right now is to overcome and prepare (Revelation 2:26).
Singles do play a major role in God’s Church. “He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:32). Look to be an asset in every way. Ensure you are involved in fellowship and all possible activities. Living on the fringe of the Church is dangerous: Satan seeks out those whom he can devour.
Remember Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
2. Respect your fellow singles
Everyone has a personality. Keep in mind we are all firstfruits, qualifying for key roles in God’s coming government. We must love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Strive to be careful in your comments. Always seek to be positive toward other people. Keep confidences. Preserve godly peace in your Christian approach to others (Colossians 3:12-15).
3. Don’t over-romanticize marriage
Singles, Hollywood has bombarded society with lies and deceit on marriage. Study The Missing Dimension in Sex. This is revelation from God! Society is missing this dimension in their understanding—but you have it!
A happy marriage is an intense delight, but must be based on the right foundation. When we are single is the time to build that foundation. Put God first (Matthew 6:33). That lays the foundation.
Be careful that your desire to marry doesn’t become an idol. Just do your part to prepare, doing the Work of God.
4. Cherish your spiritual family
There is a great reward now in the spiritual Family of God (Matthew 19:29). Look to serve your fellow Christians at every opportunity. Serve the Family in your capacity as a single.
Keep your standard high in every area: morally, spiritually, in conversation, in dress, in manners. Be conscious that you are a king and priest in training.
There are pitfalls to avoid as singles. Be cautious not to develop these “ailments”:
I’ll-never-get-married syndrome
Ultimately we all marry Christ. A God-Bride marries a God! Read Matthew 7:7-11 and Revelation 19:7-9. Seek the faith of Christ and His patience. Allow God to prepare you through your submission to His will!
I-am-so-lonely syndrome
If you feel alone and depressed, immerse yourself further into God’s Work. Seek to give! Being lonely is often just too great a focus on the self: Woe is me. Avoid that problem by getting involved wherever and whenever you can (Matthew 23:11-12).
In-a-rut syndrome
If you are going around in circles, ask yourself why. Some singles fall into thinking, When I get married, this or that will happen. As a single, you are not expected to put your life on hold until you find someone to hold. Learn to live life to the full in your single life. Do not compare yourself to others (2 Corinthians 10:12). Exercise ambition, set and reach goals! Read and re-read The Seven Laws of Success—and apply them!
Finally, be content. Study Philippians 4:8, 11. Being single is a stepping stone, a series of experiences, in the journey of life. God is developing in you holy, perfect, righteous character. Make every day count. Glean every experience you can. You will one day change from single to married—perhaps physically, but certainly spiritually.
God has called every one of us, and whatever state we are in, we must surrender to His higher and greater purpose for each of us. Singles, you are very important to God, so do think on these things.