The Joy of Marriage and Singleness

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Every aspect of our life with Jesus demands we strike a balance.

We may wish to live in another state or transfer to a new career or finally leave singleness and step into the joy of marriage. Ultimately, though, none of that is ours to decide when we belong to Jesus. He determines what is best for us and helps us accept and even enjoy whatever His hand gives to us.

That includes His desire that we remain single if that’s your situation. God knows what we need and when we need it. He graciously provides for us in ways we could never imagine Him providing. He is for us, and He believes in us. He wants us to passionately pursue Him by getting to know His Son Jesus in deeper and deeper ways. That’s His heart for you, whatever your marital status.

Let’s face it: Life can take tough turns. Life can be painful. Life can be stressful. And in those times, the Lord wants us to keep our eyes on Him. To stay focused on the life He has given to us and to keep Him as our priority.

As followers of Jesus, God calls us to be in the world but not of the world. In other words, we live in the world to influence others for good and point them to Jesus. But we should not allow the values and pressures of the world to change us and draw our attention away from Him, even if that means staying single.

When we get married, on the other hand, we obviously must focus on meeting the needs of our mates, caring for our children, and managing a household. That requires tons of mental and emotional energy.

Nevertheless, if God wills it and you decide to get married, God commands you to follow His standards for that special relationship—to love your spouse sacrificially, to live with him or her in understanding and compassion, and to put his or her needs above your own. Remember? For better or for worse.

God takes Christian marriage seriously. Marriage takes hard work and requires lifelong sacrifice and selfless living. That’s why there’s little time and energy left to devote solely to serving Jesus and others who need His grace.

Ultimately, God wants you to be content, even joyful, in the situation where He has placed you. He knows what is best and He will always provide what you need when you need it.

Whether married or single, the most important consideration is not what your Christian friends will say or how society in general regards you. Neither should you allow your emotions to guide your sense of fulfillment. The question you need to ask is: How can I live my life in a way that honors Jesus and puts others first?

1. Paul mentions advantages to singleness. In what ways could being single benefit someone in following Christ? In what ways is it harder?

2. If the letter of 1 Corinthians was written today, do you think it would include more teaching or less teaching about marriage? What about singleness?

3. What does it tell us about God that no matter whether married or single we can serve Him and find joy?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s complete teachings on 1 Corinthians 7:1-21 and 1 Corinthians 7:20-40.