The Art of Singleness

In a world saturated with sex and relationships, it is easy to slip into the mind frame that being single is bad. We assume that since everybody else is in a relationship, there must be something wrong with us which means we’re not. Everywhere you look there are constant reminders of the way the world views sex and relationships; TV ads for perfumes to help you find the ‘perfect guy’, music videos with girls dressed scantily in bikinis rubbing up next to handsome guys, and magazines who’s front page always seems to display some poor celebrity’s relationship status in bold, bright font. The world thinks it is right to be with someone, and if you’re not, then you’re undesirable; just look at the ridicule Susan Boyle received when she admitted she was still a virgin.
However, the Bible’s view of sex and relationships is very different.

I am not here to write another article on Godly relationships - I’ve heard so many talks on that subject myself that I could practically write a 500 page book on the subject. What I am here to talk about is something we hear far less about – the Art of Singleness.

This is a testament to all you single ladies out there like myself, who – like it or not – are currently living their lives without the ‘essential relationship’ the world thinks so much of. Because of course, singleness is rarely a choice we make; sometimes it’s a decision made for us – but that doesn’t mean we should be disappointed with the life God’s handed us. Oh no! Singleness is a beautiful and radiant gift from the living God who loves us beyond belief. Now that may be hard for some of us to hear – it has taken me a good 9 months or so to finally come to that realisation, but just because it grates, doesn’t mean it’s not truth. What I am not saying, is that relationships are bad, or that none of you single ladies will ever be in a relationship because in fact the opposite is probably true. But what I am saying is that singleness is a blessing and we should use it wisely as God has directed us.
For some time I had gotten myself into the mind-frame that everything would be better when I had a boyfriend – everything was hanging in the air until that point when I had a good, strong Christian guy to lead me and support me in my walk with God; until then, really, I was just preparing for his arrival. Which lead me to the question; what if I never meet that guy? Will I waste my whole life waiting?
Being single isn’t about waiting to be married, it’s a wonderful opportunity to serve God!
1 Corinthians 7:34 says, ‘An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned only about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world – how she can please her husband.’
What a great truth this is!
What great liberation is this that we have been granted that we should have no other thought but for the Lord! If God calls us to give away money; it is ours to give! There is no husband or family to be considered, only ourselves. If God calls us to leave the country, our job, our house; what great liberation that no other thought than the Lord’s will must cross our minds! Singleness is a great gift that God has bestowed on us of freedom! Freedom to serve God in any way we feel called, with no restrictions of responsibility.

Embrace it ladies and wear it with pride until that day your knight in shining armour sweeps you off your feet; be it Jesus, or one of his sons ;).