For thought and meditation

[rl69]

I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.—1 Corinthians 7:35 (http://harvest.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4f108f827aed8d503b5fca9fa&id=1b4525cdb6&e=3dd732485b)Is it better to be single or to be married? There are actually advantages and disadvantages to both, but let me take a moment to address singles today.

When you are married, you make a commitment that is to be taken seriously. We are told in 1 Corinthians 7:32–33, "An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife."

Paul is not saying it is a bad thing to be married. He is saying when you are married you have to think of someone besides yourself. A husband has to think about how to please his wife. A wife has to think about how to please her husband. That doesn't mean you can't still please the Lord. But it does mean that now you have limitations in your life that you did not have before.

When you are single, you are mobile. In many ways, you are free. That is good. Use your mobility for God's glory. Use your extra time to serve and grow closer to Him.

What you don't want to do is get into a relationship with a nonbeliever because you are impatient. We are told in 2 Corinthians 6:14–15 (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/x-apple-data-detectors://3), "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?"

Here is what happens when couples are not matched up spiritually. In most cases, the believer is not going to pull the nonbeliever up to faith; the nonbeliever is going to pull the believer down.

So, if you are a single Christian, wait on the Lord for the person He is going to bring to you. Start praying for them today. Pray for wisdom to discern the right person and the right moment.

James Dobson said it well: "Don't marry the person you think you can live with. Marry only the individual you think you can't live without

[Pine Baron]

Thank you rl, but with all due respect, it's not that simple.

[rl69]

No it's not. But it sound easy if you say it real fast

[Pine Baron]

Lol, thanks, I needed that!

[Boaz]

Frankly You haven't seen me post much on these 'marriage' lessons. for 2 reasons .

No.1
I'm not married .

No. 2
I have been woefully inadequate at picking out a wife . I have decided to let someone else pick one for me if there is a next time .

[Blackwater]

Hang in there, Boaz. It's not meant for man to live alone. It's really hard to find a good woman these days, but I think it's probably always been like that. It's more of a degree of variance than a constant, but the Bible doesn't call a virtuous woman a "pearl of great price" for nothing. There's someone out there for you. This time, just look for a good, cheerful companion. One who Becky can respect and come to love too. Marriage is about family, and family is about virtue and love and respect. You'll find her. Just don't go cynical, and keep your spirits up so when one comes along, she'll be attracted to you. My lifelong best friend has never been married, and he's come to be satisfied with that, but he's a very critical fellow, tempermental and untrusting. He'd have made a terrible husband, and knew it, so .... he's still single. He dates some, but mostly just keeps himself occupied with his job, his farm and his friends. He also takes really good care of himself and in the "old man" in his karate class, but shows up the young ones, and his sensei uses him to motivate the younger ones regularly.

So you're lucky, really. And she'll come along, probably when you least expect it. Just keep yourself ready when and if she shows up. That's really all one really CAN do, if he wants to catch one of those "pearls." Keep the faith and God will provide.

[Pine Baron]

Same boat as Boaz, same reasons. Couldn't be happier!