Reordered Priorities in Singleness
Do you know that God has a plan for how our single years are supposed to be occupied? Indeed, He does, and it doesn’t have anything to do with career goals or personal agendas. It has everything to do with worshiping Him and growing in faith. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:7-8 (NLT), “But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows: It’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am.” He’s speaking about the value of singleness and how it can be a special calling or gift from God. If more of us saw it this way, loneliness would never be a focus.
Our Heavenly Father isn’t asking every single person to forgo marriage. He’s shedding a light on what our agendas and priorities should be if we’re not yet married. Our focus should be on Him and His Will for our lives. His heart is that every person who desires to be married ultimately partners with the person He sends. He desires for us to experience happiness and have our needs met, and in His time, He will bless us in this way. However, it is clear that we cannot rush this process.
Why the Kingdom Comes First
Jesus Christ reminds us in Matthew 6:33 (NLT), “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Notice the priority established by this truth. His command that we seek God first, above all else, is unmistakable. Only when we fulfill this directive will we experience the fulfillment of His promise. 1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds us that our Heavenly Father is a God of order, and this is the order He has established. We are commanded to seek His Will preeminently, and if this condition isn’t met, we will not witness the fruition of the promise.
When Priorities Get Twisted
God’s desire, made clear through the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, is that singleness should be a season where we prioritize Him above all else—where worship becomes our lifestyle and the love of Christ takes root in our hearts. Yet, in today’s culture, many single Christian women are walking a different path. Too often, the pursuit of a man is placed above a pursuit of God. When that happens, our priorities drift into selfishness and denial instead of aligning with His will for us.
Marriage is not a greater prize than an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Many single people behave as if they don’t believe this. The truth that God’s presence is our greatest treasure must be anchored deeply in our hearts. Recognizing that He requires more from our season of singleness than prayers for marriage is a must. Singleness is not a waiting room for marriage; it is a season in which we are called to grow closer to God, develop our character according to the example of Christ, and fulfill the purpose He has for us. This season offers a rich opportunity for personal growth, ministry, and spiritual maturity. When we seek God first and prioritize His Kingdom, we begin to understand that we are not defined by our relationship status or spouses; our worth and identity are defined by God in Christ.
Discovering Joy Beyond Relationship Status
As we navigate our lives, especially in seasons of singleness, it is crucial to focus on what truly matters to God. More is required of us than just waiting to be married. We must answer the call and get busy glorifying His Kingdom as we share the Gospel and serve others. Ephesians 5:10 (NLT) tells us, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” This call to seek God’s Will with a commitment to follow it and fulfill our purpose. When we make it our priority to understand and follow what God requires, we align ourselves with all that He has in store for us. Whether in singleness or any other season of life, our greatest joy and fulfillment come from living in a way that honors Him, trusting that He will guide us and provide for us according to the promises of His Word. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“When More Is Required”, written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.
