Are you called to be single for life?
Two things we get wrong about this question
Seek in Faith features encouraging notes for Christian singles on navigating singleness, dating and building a strong foundation for marriage.
Personally, I’ve only met one woman who made the choice to be single for life, but every woman in extended single seasons likely asked herself this question. I know I wondered that for myself.
In Matthew 19, Jesus says that some will choose to remain single for the sake of the kingdom of heaven and in 1 Corinthians 7, Paul encourages singleness as the preferable way.
But there are two things we get wrong about this question:
It is a choice. In Matthew 19, Jesus says that if someone can accept this, they should. And Paul says if you want to get married and it is to a believer, that is okay. But it is also okay to not marry for the sake of the kingdom.
Being unmarried at age 20, 30, or 40+ does not automatically mean you’re called to be single for life. And enjoying being single and living life fully also isn’t necessarily a sign that lifetime singleness is your lot in life.
Marriage and singleness are seasons, not callings. One is not holier than the other.
You might marry thinking it is for life, but you don’t know what could happen tomorrow or years down the road to make you single again.
You are called to live in undivided devotion to the Lord in the season you’re in. Seasons change, but that calling does not.
If you’re single, don’t be obsessing about getting married. Be free from concern about the future. Aim to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.
Whatever season you’re in, be all there and make His name known here.
For today, singleness is God’s best for you, but it does not mean that singleness is God’s best for you for life.
God has tomorrow taken care of and it will come to pass as He has willed it to be and in His perfect timing.
For more encouragement on waiting well, check out Expectant, a devotional Bible study for single women.