Being a single Christian is not a disease, it is an opportunity. Far too may singles think ill of themselves due to naked-left-ring-finger-itis. Far too many in the church treat singles as if they were incomplete. Name 3 singles over the age of 25 that have not had Christian friends trying to play Cupid for them. The church should value her singles as highly as she values those that marry, perhaps more so. Paul clearly prefers the single life in 1 Corinthians 7. He claims it is a great opportunity. Why?

Singles can give more time and attention to the needs of Gods kingdom. Paul argued that marriage entangles the Christian with many necessary responsibilities from which the unmarried are free. If marriage takes time, being single saves time. Therefore, Paul could wish that all were single as he was. (1 Corinthians 7:7) Paul also more highly recommend not marrying or giving in marriage so that the single Christian could build the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 7:36-38)

The singles great opportunity is the availability to do ministry. (1 Corinthians 7:32) Unfortunately, most singles spend their extra time on themselves. If you are single and are not giving your extra time and energy to serving God in the ministry of the church, you are not doing it right. You are wasting the opportunity that God has given you.

Let me ask you quite frankly, single Christian, what is your ministry in the church? Do you have one? Are you wasting your time and opportunity on merely selfish interests and nursing your neuroses? Are you killing time in merely trivial pursuits? Compared to your married brothers and sisters in Christ, you have fewer worldly concerns and are liberated from many anxieties. (1 Corinthians 7:28, 32) I write this not to add to your anxieties but rather to clarify your opportunity. Your brothers and sisters in Christ need you! The life and ministry of the church needs you! Your gifts, your time, your talents are worth their weight in gold in the kingdom of God.

You can only play the hand that you have been dealt, but you can play it well. Dear single Christian, I plead with you now; invest yourself in the ministry of the church. Make the most of the opportunity that God has given you. Why? Serve because that is what God has called you to do. Serve because being active in the service of the King is the best way to meet eligible sons and daughters of the King. Cupid reappears, but I will write more on finding that special someone next time