More than eighty-five million singles in America have never married. Most want to marry, but fewer are doing so. Some singles seek enrichment through meaningful relationships and service. Others struggle to break free from loneliness.
Nicole cracks open a pint of her favorite ice cream—Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Crunch. “Why not?” she quips to her cat Jasper with forced self-assurance. “After all, it is the one-year anniversary of my breakup.” Nicole stares at the blank TV screen for what seems like an eternity. As she reaches for the remote, a text pops up on her cell. It’s John, her friend from the singles class. He asks if she’s helping with the school cleanup project this weekend. Smiling through her tears, she places the lid onto her melting dessert and replies, “I’ll be there!”
Are You Lonely or Alone?
Loneliness is not the same as aloneness. The former is a state of mind. The latter is a state of being. Some singles assume marriage is the remedy for loneliness.
In truth, the presence of a spouse does not guarantee happiness. Conversely, the absence of a mate does not ensure misery. Joy and heartbreak are felt by the married and the unmarried.
What Is Your Highest Calling?
God’s creation of marriage does not imply singleness is undesirable. Adam was alone, not lonesome. In his singleness, he enjoyed perfect fellowship with God and fulfillment in his work. Adam needed mutual companionship, not personal significance.
While marriage is honorable (Hebrews 13:4), marrying or waiting to marry is not God’s highest calling for humanity. Delighting in God is the highest calling (Psalm 73:25, ESV).
Live While You Wait.
Singles are encouraged in Scripture to live life to the fullest. King Solomon writes, “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 11:9, ESV).
Here are three timeless things you can do on your journey to marriage.
1. Work on you—Fill your mind with God’s Word and wholesome literature.
2. Connect with others—Get involved in church and community activities.
3. Lead something—What are you good at? Teach others how to do it.
Singles are free to sulk in seclusion or seek new adventures and friendships. Choose adventure. Understand singleness is not inferior to marriage. You have something most married Christians do not have—unfettered freedom to run full speed in life and service to God.
