Central Truth

Paul is advising us today on a very practical understanding in life - that both marriage and singleness are vehicles of GOD's blessing and help bring understanding of His grace. Each brings unique joys and trials to life, but one, Paul says, is less encumbering in our relationship to GOD.

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Reflections

I've lived life on each side of this mountain. I've had a marriage of which women hope and dream. David was a spiritual leader at home, in the community, and at work; and he loved me deeply, though imperfectly, as Christ loves the church. I look on those days spent as David's wife with great joy and tender thanks. I still miss him. But life, because of the love we shared, also brought a depth of pain that one cannot express as the diagnosis and progress of brain cancer was revealed. Pains in our marriage took time and energy, complicating life and the ability to focus on anything "outside our box." Survival of illness and death (and yes, put the wonderful event of parenting in the mix, too), became just that at times-- survival. Much has come from it that I would not trade, but marriage brings limitations and distractions spiritually. 

The reality is that serving GOD with a spouse and family is a blessing. It is no less wonderful or important, but it has practical limits when it comes to serving or spending time with GOD. Now, being on my own, the only consultation that takes place involves me and my heavenly Father. There is a freedom that is now mine in any decision-making or plans; however, there is a loneliness in companionship and decisions in life, as well. Either brings "trouble" of its own. I never would have had the great joy of sharing a committed life with another, or the great depth of pain in burying him. The joy of joint ministry and life is one of the blessings in marriage I cherish and remember most; yet now, I look to the future with anticipation at God's plan and use of my singleness for His kingdom. 

Paul makes the facts clear. Marriage complicates life, distracting our personal relationship with the LORD. Singleness lets us be less encumbered, and Paul prefers that for you and me. He makes it clear, however, that  GOD sees neither as a holier place to be, just that one is less distracting.

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Discussion Questions

1. How much time and energy do you give daily to your relationship with your Heavenly Father? Your spouse? Your children?
2. Have you, if married, discussed together how to enable each other to have daily quiet times or accountability relationships with another godly friend of the same gender? Do you make sure your spouse gets the time to do so?
3. As a single, do you have a time you have committed to spend with HIM each day? What ministries are you praying about in which to become involved?
4. What creative habits can you put in place to focus on GOD more during your day?
5. Are you content where GOD has called you to be? How can you get to know Him better, desiring His heart for you more than anything the world has to offer?
6. What changes will you commit to today?

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