Honouring God with your singleness – Part 3

Today, we conclude our series. The Bible says singleness is a gift from God, “I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.

To the unmarried and the widows, I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am”. We have established that God doesn’t punish anyone with singleness. God doesn’t withhold marriage as a form of punishment because singleness affords the individual believer the opportunity to grow up spiritually, as they yield to the Holy Spirit to build the strength of character in their faith walk. So, singleness is a blessing just like being married, as everyone invariably goes through a season of singleness in life ( I Cor 9:7-9).

We affirmed that those who are called to pursue a life of singleness are separated by a desire to live that life with an unbegrudging attitude, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.

Jesus taught that singleness is a gift from God. Matt 19:11-12 states whenever a person gets married, they are expected to leave their parents and remain married. Thus, the person who remains single does not carry the responsibility of marriage. Jesus is our model and a perfect example of how we should live our lives. Jesus was single. Does that mean that those who are unmarried are more like Jesus? Are married people not transformed into the image of Christ? Whether you are married or single, the end goal in the life of every believer is Christ-likeness.

“Now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him.” Christ was focused on the will of God. Paul wrote that it is easier to be singly focused on God’s Will if you are unmarried like he was and Christ I Cor 7:32-33. Singleness is not only a gift for as long as it lasts, it is a God-given opportunity to focus solely on Him! Paul also wrote these words: “For me, to live is Christ. Everyone should see singleness not as a problem to be solved with marriage but as an awesome opportunity to also live fulfilled in service to God and the cause of humanity. Not many people are discerning with this focus yet needed for life. Life is too short to rent any space for sentiments. Life is about God; His agenda and purpose must become our priority. Your cooperation is needed to work things after the counsel of His Will for your life. Being single is neither a curse nor a form of punishment. 

Ayo Daniels is a healthy family passionate who writes from Lagos