Well - Paul - When you say it THAT WAY then I do see how singleness is a gift

I had the pleasure of hearing a positive sermon on singleness last Sunday.  For once a pastor spoke of singleness as a gift ~ not a burden or a sentence to be endured.  Best of all the pastor never once said, "While you are waiting on God's mate for you...."  There is no way I can do his sermon justice so I will not attempt to but I WILL give you the link to the sermon, the scripture reference and some of the major points I came away with.

Singleness and The Next Generation 

 

~ 1 Corinthians 7 ~ 

If you read the scripture reference remember Paul ~ a single man ~ is the author.  Knowing the writer is single actually allows for a chuckle or two in this section of scripture.

"Both marriage and singleness are good.  NEITHER is exalted over the other."

"There are challenges and opportunities in each." (Marriage vs. Singleness)

"Singleness has a purpose we must be careful not to waste.  Don't squander your singleness. Maximize your life for the glory of God."

"Many have achieved great things for the glory of God not IN SPITE of their singleness ~ but because of their singleness."

"Trust what God has given you at this moment.  This is what God has given you ~ a gift for this time."

"Contentment (in singleness) is deep trust in the sovereignty of God."

"Contentment (in singleness) is deep enjoyment of the grace of God."

So there it is - small morsels from a very rich sermon. 

Oh, almost forgot!  I was raised in the church but the pastor listed many in the Bible who were single and I never knew it!

Jeremiah

Elijah

Paul

Lydia

and of course, Jesus.   ((Well - Yes. I did know Jesus was single)).