Oct 19.98: Light For The Day - "Singleness"

"To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is
well for them to remain single as I do.
But if they cannot exercise self-control, they
should marry. For it is better to marry than to be
aflame with passion."
-- 1 Corinthians 7:8,9 (RSV)

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"Singleness" 

by Dave Egner 

Principle 1: Accept Your Singleness.

A man or woman is free to choose singleness and
should find full acceptance in the community and
the church.

You may have trouble accepting yourself as a
single. You may let attitudes around you undermine
your confidence and sense of self-worth. Stop!
Don't let yourself feel inferior or incomplete. 
God accepts you where you are. You should do
the same.

Principle 2: Face Up To Your Needs. 

Singleness carries with it certain needs. It does
no good to dodge them.

1. A sense of purpose. 
You may have put your life on hold, waiting for
Mr. Right or Miss Wonderful to come along.
But you need to form a strong life-plan right now.
Set some realistic personal goals. Make some of
them spiritual.

2. Loneliness. 
Loneliness is one of the greatest problems of our
society. Accept the fact that you don't like being
alone and do something about it. Start by finding
a church that has a healthy atmosphere where
good friendships can develop.

3. Sexuality.
Find a church or group where you can get solid
biblical teaching about sexuality that takes your
situation into account. Look for a church that does 
not accept the myth that all singles are living 
sexually frustrated lives, or that "there must be
something wrong with them."

4. Contentment. 
As a single, you may long for things you do not
have, like a mate or children. But realize that
contentment for everyone, single or not, begins
and ends with God (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment
is to be found primarily in enjoying God
(Philippians 4:11-12).

5. Service. 
Look for opportunities to serve the Lord and others.
It's amazing how our own concerns shrink when we
enter into the struggles and burdens of others.

6. Train for discipleship and ministry. 
As a child of God, you have a responsibility to be
actively involved in the ministry and outreach of 
your church. Remember, as a single you may be
in a position to do things others cannot do.

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"But godliness with contentment is great gain."
-- 1Timothy 6:6 (NIV)