singles-handed
"Are you free of a wife? If so, do not go in search of one." —1 Corinthians 7:27
Those gifted to be single for the Lord do not commit sin if they marry (1 Cor 7:28). "But such people will have trials in this life, and these I should like to spare you" (1 Cor 7:28). All people have trials; so Paul must have been referring to unnecessary, additional trials. Moreover, it is sometimes good to undergo trials. However, Paul must not have been referring to "good" trials, or he would not have tried to spare anyone these trials. In summary, in the Scriptures the Lord indicates that those who marry but were called to be single will have unnecessary, additional trials, which it would have been better not to have undergone.
Is the Lord trying to show those who are single the way to the easiest, most comfortable life? No, He is trying to keep singles as free as possible to help them devote themselves entirely to Him (1 Cor 7:35). Some people in the Body of Christ need to be available for anything at any time to further God's kingdom. They must not be tied down by unnecessary trials. The exceptional freedom and availability of those single for the Lord is not for their ease and comfort; rather, it is for the good of the Body of Christ.
"The time is short" (1 Cor 7:29), and the times are stressful (1 Cor 7:26). Those of you called to the single life, the Body of Christ needs your gift now more than ever. Be single for the Lord and His kingdom.
Prayer: Father, raise up a mighty army of virgins.
Promise: "The world as we know it is passing away." —1 Cor 7:31
Praise: Although her brothers and sisters advised her to get out, Martha stayed in her marriage and prayed for her often-drunk husband. God answered Martha's prayers and he was converted.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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