A book of relationships:
Have you ever realized how much the Bible talks about relationships? They are woven into the fabric of every book, every interaction, and every principle within the scriptures. The Bible describes God’s relationship with us, and it is an instruction manual for our interactions with everyone else around us. Interactions with our neighbors, friends, family, coworkers, spouses, and even governments are all relationships laid out in scripture for guidance, instruction and to teach us how to strengthen our love for our Creator. God requires us to walk after Him, seek His face, and give up everything to Him continually and whole heatedly. We are going to examine some of the challenges of being single and ways to strive to be content in whatever state God has placed us in at this moment.
Single and content
To be content and happy while being single can be difficult, especially if a lot of your friends are in relationships or married. Our nature makes it so easy to dwell on what we are lacking or perceive as missing, and consequently let precious years of building our character be wasted by being unhappy and dissatisfied. A friend frequently reminded me that every day has two outcomes; Christ’s return followed by marriage feast, or today God has given us an opportunity to serve Him. Every opportunity must be used to strengthen the multitude of relationships we have been granted:
- To encourage a neighbor or co-worker
- To inspire young people and
- To fortify the faith of friends and family in our walk to God’s kingdom.
Instead of lamenting singleness, let us make the choice to live happily serving others and perfecting your relationship with God. People think they cannot be happy without a particular relationship, but this is not the case and it is up to you to make the choice!
If you feel that being single is lonely and a huge challenge, you are not alone. The Apostle Paul says in Phil 4:11 that he had learned to be content in whatever situation he was in. Powerful words because this is not easy, and also completely contrary to the flesh! It did not come naturally to Paul, and it will not be easy for each of us to be content in every phase of our life. Learn how to be content — even if you are in financial troubles, have ailing health, or are presently single.
I frequently suffer from the ‘grass is greener’ syndrome and I am sure I am not alone! However, do not be disillusioned! Every individual will have trials and heartache; they just might come in various forms and at different times. Particularly regarding marriage there can be a perception of ‘happily ever after’, but with marriage comes a whole new slew of challenges to face. Any married brother or sister will tell you that having a good marriage is hard work a lot of time, with much effort and self-sacrifice being required. But each challenge that we face also has its own rewards and benefits, regardless of being single or in a partnership.
Sound familiar? Does not God plead with us to turn back to Him, and fight for our relationship with Him?
“I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me” (Jer 35:15).
“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD” (Lam 3:40).
Do we do the same? All relationships that we have now are intended for us to humbly learn the qualities and characteristics God desires to bring us closer to Him. And good news! This can be done both in the married state and the single state.
There are so many things we can do as single young people. Generally you have more available ‘free’ time as a single; you don’t have the responsibilities of a family, and if you’re living at home, you don’t have the chores of running of house. Use this ‘extra’ time you have to benefit yourself and others, by serving in the Ecclesia, doing Bible study, visiting others, helping those in need, spending time with friends etc. It is a unique opportunity to grow in our relationship with our Heavenly Father if we choose to use it! Ruth is an incredible example! Instead of turning back to Moab were she could have sought another husband and continued on a life she was familiar with, she chose to follow Naomi, to serve God and remain in a single state. God in His infinite grace provided a God fearing husband for Ruth and she is now part of the lineage of Christ! What an amazing example. Live today for God; let Him work mightily through you for you never know what doors God may open that seem closed.
Trust completely that God is leading our life in His way. He has an incomprehensible plan for each of us created out of love and hope where we will all exist in oneness with each other and our Creator (Jer 29:11). God knows the beginning from the end and has our best interests at heart. We need to accept that whatever path that is set before us, even if it means being single at present, our goal is a path to the Kingdom. I personally take great comfort that if Christ were to return even this very minute, God willing I will be a part of the multitudinous bride. Keep our garments pure, perfect our character to model Christ, and deepen our relationship with God and God willing may we all hear those delightful words we all long to hear “well done thou good and faithful servant”. Let us all turn to God, and seek His face, redeem the time, and learn to live contently with what God has richly blessed us with today.
“Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation” (Psa 27:9).
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Col 4:5).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One