Helo, garet. I was a rather serious person growing up, but have learned to enjoy life more, esp after i recovered from depression. Not that i claim to know that much to teach on singleness, but i happen to be reading a book on godliness/holiness for women, and want to share from a chapter on singleness. Many are familiar w/ 1 Cor. 7.17:
1 Corinthians 7:17 And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you... (MSG)
Barbara Hughes wrote: "We see God in a military sense assigning us to report for duty, then gently beckoning us to minister alongside Him-- all in regard to our marital status... Your married status is not an accident, God planned it."
So much in our cultures tend to push the idea that sex and romance are the ultimate pursuits. Many are given the msg that singleness is "something to be fixed." But 1 Cor. 7.40 also declares it is better to be single than married, according to the author who says we see in God's Word to see the single life as an assignment, a calling, and a gift.
NT attitude toward being single is very positive... When the disciples said in Mt. 19.10 "If this is the situation bet. a husband and wife, it is better not to marry." Jesus did not disagree, and said "Not everyone can accept these words, but only those for whom it has been given..." (Mat. 19.11-12)... "Gift often implies a special favor by God. The favor of singleness means God has bestowed dignity and honor to a position that had formerly been regarded as less desirable...Singleness isnt always a permament status... The capstone verse where Jesus says "Everyone should retain..." may sound unpleasant, for obedience often feels that way initially." But His commands are not burdensome for those who love God. -- Disciplines of a Godly Woman