Tuesday - "The Benefit"

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 (TNIV) “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. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 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. 35 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.”

I speak with so many people that say they are incomplete without a husband or wife. While many want a mate to enjoy life with... some want to get married because they believe it will complete them or make them "normal" in the eyes of society. The apostle Paul had other ideas. When we look at today's passage we realize that while marriage is wonderful...it is not the only way a person can be effective for the Kingdom of God.

Paul writes that a single man can be concerned with things of God...and not have to balance keeping his wife happy as well. Same goes for a single woman...she can focus on what God has called her to do without regard for the opinion of her husband. Single people have opportunities that married people do not except most don't realize it. They can be much more flexible and opportunistic when it comes to going and doing what God calls them to do. Want to volunteer at a new campus? Go! Want to be a part of a ministry team? Whenever you want! Enjoy the chances that you have to follow God whenever and wherever He tells you to go!

If you are single this morning, take a few moments and pray about what you can do with the opportunities you have in your current stage of life. Ask God for clarity...to see your singleness not as a burden, but as a chance to make a Kingdom difference with focus and purpose.

If you are married...ask your husband or wife first...then pray (just kidding). You have opportunities as well... You can also make a Kingdom difference...and my encouragement to you is twofold:
1) Support those that you know that are single. Don't infer that they are somehow have less value because they are unmarried.
2) Live as examples of married couples (cafe con leche) that can serve God effectively together.

In either case, married or single... thank God for where you are right now. Keep going after your God-potential and seek to make a footprint for Christ in your community.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian