i started erading 1 corinthians not too long ago. it seemed as though i needed to be reminded of what paul teaches in this letter since it had been so long since i read it last. i stumbled across 1 corinthians 7. yea, we all know it has to do with marriage, but do we really grasp it? at one point paul says:
"I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord" (v. 32-35)
i don't think this can be more plain.
but why then does the church so often force marriage on the single folk? i know, we have been commanded to be fruitful and multiply (genesis 1:28), but have we not also been commanded to live for the gospel of Christ (acts 20:24)? and not just to live, but to sacrifice all for the sake of the gospel? (i couldn't find a specific scripture for that last statement, simply because it is such a thread through the bible).
why then is there so much pressure to be married? are you saying that i can't serve Christ properly unless i am married? i think not. scripture is plain-being single i can wholly devote myself to Christ and His affairs without being so directly concerned for the well-fair of another. so please, dearest church and cbu, stop pressuring people to be married and embrace those who are single. hone in on them and cultivate a spirit sold out to the gospel!
*NOTE: i don't have objections to being married. but now, while i am single, except it. nay, embrace it! and pray that God would cultivate a sold-out spirit to Him!
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