“To the unmarried and the widows I say; it is good for them to stay unmarried as I am.”
1 Corinthians 7:8.
I remember when I first read this message from Paul I thought he was crazy. I was most offended! Because he obviously did not want a wife, I felt that he really did not understand what it was like being single and wanting to get married. He couldn’t be living in the real world that I inhabited. If it was possible I would have removed that portion of text out of the bible completely!!
However on reflection I realised that Paul did have a point to make about what I call singleness and busyness. “An unmarried woman or a virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs.” 1 Corinthians 7:34. Being single had allowed me to devote so much more time to other things:
I could help the Youth at church by doing programs, retreats, day trips.
I could help run community drama projects. I was more available to help my elderly neighbour, visit someone who was sick at home or in hospital. I had more opportunity to do good for others around me because my time was not split between a husband and children. Ok, Paul had a point…. It doesn’t mean I like it…it’s not easy, I would prefer to be married thanks!
But it’s better for me to accept that God ultimately knows what is best for me right now. So I ask God to give me a change of heart and make me more caring and compassionate when I feel frustrated and discouraged.
Yes, singleness does have the benefits of available time and I believe it has enabled me to use that time to make a positive difference; it has then become a “win win” situation. And I know that God is pleased when we do what we can to help others, that’s what Jesus did. So while I’m waiting for my status to change, and I still hope that it will, I’m going to keep busy.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Be encouraged.