Transformed – teen devotion – February 17, 2019
Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Satisfied with God
When I was in college studying to be a pastor, I met with one of my advisors and he asked me, “Are you married?” I said, “No.” He then asked, “Are you dating?” Again, I said, “No.” Then he spoke of how important it was that I find a wife before I became a pastor, otherwise my ministry, not to my mention my personal life, would suffer tremendously.
I was 19 or 20 at the time and I took that conversation seriously. Every date I went on became an interview for marriage, which didn’t bode well for a second date. The ladies could sense the desperation radiating from me, and they wanted nothing to do with it.
Eventually I ended up at the seminary learning how to be a pastor. I met with another advisor who asked me the same questions, “Are you married? Are you dating anyone?” Again, the answer was, “No.” To my surprise, his response was completely different than the first. He said, “Good for you. I didn’t get married until I was in my 30’s. Enjoy your single life for a while.”
Both of my advisors gave me advice based on their personal experiences. I wish they had opened the Bible to 1 Corinthians chapter 7 and told me what God says about whether you are single or living the married life. If you haven’t read that chapter before, read it. It’s makes a lot of sense.
In short, God wants you to be content whether you’re single or married, because there are spiritual advantages to both. Single people can spend more time serving the Lord without having the responsibilities a family brings. Married people get to reenact God’s love story every single day with their spouse.
Whatever your situation, ask Jesus to give you a content heart that’s willing to serve him and a believing heart that trusts him to lead your future.
Prayer: Jesus, you and the apostle Paul were single and used your time to minister to others. Help me to find true contentment in my present state of singleness so that I can be fully devoted to you. Amen.
