1 Corinthians 7:8-9 “To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
The Message Bible reads beautifully in verse 7: “Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me—a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.” Paul lets Christians know by no means is singleness commanded; however, we have permission to walk out our faith as a single person.
Let’s address both sides of the fence. Those desiring to remain single, and those that do not. For those remaining single, if you have experienced negativity for this decision, stand firm. Despite what the culture and even some churches portray, singleness is not a dilemma that needs to be dealt with. Paul quite enjoyed his singleness, and so can you. It’s perfectly acceptable to be single. You are not lacking or incomplete in your singleness. Marriage doesn’t equate to completeness. In reality, both singleness and marriage come with challenges. The good news is the Lord gives us liberty to choose which challenging path we will navigate. The single Christian has the luxury of time that the married Christians aren’t always afforded. Enjoying undivided time with the Lord is an incredible blessing. This was Paul’s perspective on why it was so satisfying, and spiritually fruitful to remain single. As we know, he accomplished great things in his singleness.
To those who don’t desire to remain single, Paul is advising marriage. News flash, if you’ve been a Christian more than five minutes, you’re aware people are watching. Sexuality is one of the most hotly contested topics of our day. Unbelievers desperately want to know if we actually believe and follow God’s design for sex or if we’re just all talk. Does your devotion to the Lord override your desire for sex? Your body is a glorious temple for the Holy Spirit to abide (1 Cor.6:19-20). We are to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness (2 Tim.2:22). Walking in celibacy as a single Christian can be one of the most powerful testimonies of your Christian faith. Actions speak louder than words. If we long to be counter-cultural and reflect God’s heart to a lost and dying world, Christians are to practice self-control when it comes to their sexual desires. Sadly, we live in a sex saturated, immoral, self-serving culture that promotes pleasure over principles. The Apostle Paul is saying if sexual purity requires more self-control, then you can genuinely handle then it’s better to get married.
Paul isn’t encouraging believers to rush into marriage just to meet their sexual desires. Seeking a spouse is a serious and holy endeavor. Amongst many other factors, we want to find a devoted Christian that loves God with their whole mind, soul and strength, and loves their neighbor as themselves. A marriage covenant is a forever commitment. We must look beyond the bedroom when seeking a godly spouse.
Pause: Meditate on Luke 6:46 “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not what I say? Reflect on the significance of your body being the temple, a dwelling place for God’s Divine presence (1 Cor.6:19-20). Do you treat this truth as seriously as a first century Christian would have? Does this scripture shape and mold all that you think and do? Ask, do my actions and private thought life align with my professed beliefs?
Practice: Write down your profession of faith in the area of sexuality. Over the next couple of weeks take an honest evaluation of anything that contradicts those beliefs. Even assess the music, entertainment and the friends you keep company with. If repentance is necessary, run to the Lord for forgiveness.
Pray: Dear Lord, help me to abide in the center of your Divine will. Give me a reverence and a renewed seriousness to treat my body as Your temple. Allow me to consistently seek Your direction, wisdom and strength as I flee from passions and pursue righteousness.
