By Craig Wardlaw
1 Timothy 6:6
"But godliness with contentment is great gain."
I've been happily married since 2004. But, before you conclude that since I'm married I can't possibly identify with your "currently single" status, let me add that I was single and celibate until the age of 34. Now, if that affords me any any credence in your eyes, then read on. If not, I know for you to go any farther might be a challenge, but live a little, take the challenge.
For me, perhaps the most difficult thing about being single was the list of questions that seem to accompany the "single" status. Some from without and some from within: Why is he "still" single? Why "am" I still single? Will I ever meet anyone? Will I ever love again? Where/how do I go from here? I know you know them all so I'll stop here.
Questions notwithstanding, at one point, I had what many would call a "breakthrough". I decided I was finished yearning, churning and wondering about what would be and what was and decided to seek to be content. I know it sounds elementary, "Change how you look at things, and the things you look at change", right? But, for me this epiphany was critical to success.
By turning the page on past relationships, putting my list of questions and those nagging "what if's" behind me, I gained the confidence and freedom to press forward. It was when I decided I was okay with who I was and how I was that I began to see things differently; differently enough to deal with the day that was before me with gratitude rather than resenting it for what (or who) was missing from it.
Although the context of 1 Timothy 6:6 deals with earthly gain, there's a universal truth implied that can be most useful to us as God's children who are "currently single" seek their place and purpose in God's Kingdom, as we live among men.
Tennessee Christian Singles Conference June 22-24, 2012 | Register today at www.tnsingles.org
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