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“Single for the Sake of the Kingdom”

Thoughts for Today:

In Matthew 19:11-12, Jesus referred to the "gift" of remaining single: "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others--and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."

What Jesus is saying is that some people are born without the need or desire to be married. Others (for example: eunuchs in charge of a king's harem, or perhaps widows and divorcees) are made that way involuntarily. However, when Paul says, "It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do", I think he is talking about the third group -- those who say, "I'm not going to get involved with the opposite sex so I can place more of my attention on the kingdom of heaven."

Paul offers a warning to those who might be considering the single life: "It is better to marry than burn with passion." Although Paul was perfectly content with his own celibacy, he understood this path would be very difficult (if not impossible) for the vast majority of Christians. So, if passion was going to be a problem, then by all means get married.

Questions to Ponder:

I know several people who were once married, yet became "single" against their will (whether by divorce or the death of a spouse). Some are bitter, angry and lonely, while others have found a different type of joy in their singleness. How do they do so? By placing their attention upon the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said, "The one who can accept this should accept it." Being single isn't always our own choice, but how we deal with it is. If single, where have you placed your attention? On the kingdom of heaven or in finding a mate?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.