This article is a summary of the Campos Chairs conference at the Interactive Faithful Youth Conference 2020.
What God says about remaining single does not correspond to popular opinion in the world, nor to that of many believers and churches, many believe that marriage is the only normal way of life or that being single is harmful, it is common for parents to start worrying about their still unmarried children at age 25 or 27. Even when it comes to pastoral ministry, it is often thought that a good shepherd is simply someone who is married and has children, and that the bachelor is not suitable.
- Where did this idea come from? This comes from the Jewish point of view of Genesis 2:18.
- “Is it not good for man to be alone?”It is interpreted that the one who has no wife lives without kindness.
- Without joy.
- Without blessing and without redemption.
- Such as the apocryphal ecclesiastical book.
- In addition to Talmud himself.
- Reinforce this idea.
People who think so forget that excellent men and women were single (Elias, John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul, etc. ) and that, with holiness and dynamism, they honored their position as singles; and that the New Testament introduces a new vision of being single. Let’s look at the following.
Staying single can be a gift, a vocation. In Matthew 19, in the conversation of Jesus and the Pharisees about divorce, Jesus declares something great in verse 9: with the exception of sexual immorality, divorce is adultery; and in verses 10 to 12, Jesus says that if this should be done, it is better to stay single, it was an absurd idea in the Jewish tradition, but Jesus says that it is a very valid option, in Providence and God’s permission, some are eunuch by birth or are destined for it: some are not?they do not have the sexual capacity to consummate marriage; others become eunuchs and choose to be single to fulfill a specific ministry that would not be possible if they were married, as in difficult areas; it is also the case for widowers and divorcees who, for God’s sake, renounce another marriage.
Therefore, we must stop and re-evaluate our concept of singles. In 1 Corinthians 7. 7, Paul confirms that being single is a call, a gift from God, so marrying is a divine gift, as well as being single. It is possible to glorify God by being married, it is also possible to do so by being single. Do married people have privileges? So are singles. But what is the positive side of being or staying single?Let’s look at 1 Cor 7: 25-35.
Therefore, re-evaluate your concept in the light of the New Testament. Not all singles are alone. There is a big difference between being alone and being alone, the bachelor will always be well accompanied by God’s people, you should also know that the best way of life is what God called, not the one someone says.
Finally, marriage is not the secret of happiness, but a total consecration to God. When Jesus spoke of true happiness in bliss, he did not mention getting married or single, he spoke of something bigger and better than that, he said it profoundly and Inner happiness is not based on the condition of the person, but on his character, not on what you have , but in what God does in your life, it is not superficial, but profound and eternal, only in God we find fullness. satisfaction And what way to God? Jesus Christ, believe him and confess him as your savior and you will be connected to God.