Enjoying the Single Season

With Valentines Day not too long ago, I thought Josh Storie's sermon on singleness was very fitting and worthy of a conversation via blog post. In 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 we hear Paul's opinion regarding sexual temptation. He acknowledges that sexual temptation is real and it's strong. Marriage is an outlet for this. Then in verse 8 he explains how single people should stay that way, unless they're burning with passion. Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire anyone?

But something we ask ourselves is: why? Why should we not seek out a partner? Paul tells us that he wants to spare us from the problems that married people face. He points to the idea that two people who are sinners together in one house causes conflict. You not only deal with your own sin, but also another persons sin. Paul wants to spare us from that. In verse 32 he says "But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord-how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world-how he may please his wife..."

The first benefit of being single that Josh described is that singles have the ability to be carefree and free of anxieties. Paul talks about how he wants this kind of life for us. During this season of our lives we can give and serve and travel and invest in people...the list goes on and on. The second benefit is that single people have the luxury of undivided interest. Single people have one focus: the Lord, but married people don't have that option. With another person, your interests become a little more divided. Being undivided in your pursuit of the Lord is such a blessing and a season of life that should be cherished, because for most people it is only temporary.

So, how do we not waste our time as single people? Give yourself away. We have the time to do it. So now is the time. Give. Invest in people. Serve in the Church until you just wear yourself out. Take risks. My friend Emily's Instagram bio puts it beautifully, "Don't let dreams, be dreams." Be open to the Spirit leading you to focus somewhere crazy.

Another striking point that Josh mentioned is to "use this season of singleness to put sin to death." Put what you're struggling with right now to death, now. Don't look for a relationship to complete you, the other person is always going to fail you in one way or another. Kick your sin habits before you enter into marriage. Desiring marriage isn't something that is sinful or wrong, God created marriage, but don't waste your season of being single. God wants to use you in ways He'll never be able to use you ever again once you are no longer single.

Now imagine if you actually did all this, how amazing the season would be...
Courtney