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The Challenge of Maximizing Singleness
The Introduction of a Six-Part Series

This is the first of a six-part series aimed at discussing the God-ordained mind set of the single believer. The series will define maximizing singleness by presenting some rarely (if ever) considered dimensions, and highlight some of its benefits - naturally and spiritually - thus illustrating what Paul meant when he said, godliness is profitable in all things, having promise in the life that now is and the life that is to come.

MAXIMIZING SINGLENESS - WHAT IS IT?? It can be defined, in short, this way. In 1 Corinthians 7:32, Paul states, He that is unmarried careth for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. Two verses later, Paul states, she that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how she may be holy both in body and in spirit. Another verse in 1 Corinthians 7 states that he that is married shall have trouble in the flesh. I find it ironic that Paul does not declare how much trouble the married person shall have. These scriptures, placed precept upon precept, help to illustrate the long-ignored, but prescribed goal of singles in the body of Christ - maximizing singleness.

Think for a moment before we proceed, how concerned are you with your spiritual growth? This has nothing to do with what type of work you do around the church - whether you sing, teach, or preach. It doesn't matter that you help the deacons replace chairs after service, carry the Pastor's briefcase, or prepare an exquisite meal or dessert for a pot luck. It doesn't matter that you're always one of the first people at prayer, that you make every service, or have every Bible study tool imaginable at home. How committed are you to being renewed in the spirit of your mind? Do you give diligence to make your calling and your election sure? Do you fight the good fight of faith . to present yourself a living sacrifice unto God, proving what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God? These things are extremely important to every believer, but especially to he or she that is single. Whether we want to face it or not, maximizing singleness is the call of every single believer. Regardless of your stature, status, ethnic persuasion, or intelligence quotient, if you are single, the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is calling you to place spiritual development above everything else in your life. It's more important than where you live, where you work, your education, or being married!!!

Being in a relationship, or being married, appears to be the number one distraction for singles. Many unmarried Christians are consumed with the idea, dream, and/or concept of being married. SIDE THOUGHT: Many married people don't help - feeding into the pipe dreams of many-a-single-saint. Beware the married Christian who is always trying to talk you into getting married, but never seems to offer godly counsel about anything. These are the people who try to make you feel like something is wrong with you if you're not married. They're the ones who look at single life as if it's some kind of curse. That attitude is actually a reflection of what they did with their own single life. Don't make their curse yours.

Anyway, where were we? Relationships/Marriages are the number one topics of discussion among singles. Relationship-oriented message boards for online services are jammed with notes from single Christians trying to meet Mr. or Ms. Right. Christian dating services offer the opportunity to meet the love of your life. People consistently talk about what they want, like, or dislike about the opposite sex. It's odd, however, that many of these same individuals are either not capable of or don't desire to discuss the things of the Spirit -- namely spiritual maturity. Maximizing singleness is not at the forefront of their minds.

Maximizing Singleness is a challenge -- one many of us are either unaware of or unwilling to face. God is calling you today (you know who you are)! Let's begin examining ourselves in light of this challenge. We don't have time to deal with every major facet of our topic. We will, however, succinctly cover four issues of extreme relevance to spiritual maturity, especially from the standpoint of its effect upon marriage.

In this series, we will cover:

As always, I solicit your prayers in addressing this information. Keep the word and be blessed.

The Challenge of Maximizing Singleness -- Written by Darren W. Hood
Copyright © 1997, Darren Hood and Scenario Ministries International. All rights reserved.
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