In Deuteronomy 6:4 Moses proclaimed to the children of Israel: "Hear, O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord." In this context the word "one" implies unity and singleness.In short, Moses declares that God, in his triune personality (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), is unifiedin one collective thought.This oneness demonstrated by God is what He wants for His unmarried Christians to obtain.I believe it is God’s desire that we become one, unified with ourselves, before we seek to be joined to another.
In today’s society it seems the word "single" has become a misnomer as it relates to scripture. Acturally the Bible never uses the word single to indicate marital status.The Bible simply distinguishes us as married or unmarried (1 Cor. 7:32-33). In scripture, single or singleness refers to sincerity, generosity and simplicity.This really blew my mind because for so long I thought single meant being without a mate.However, in God’s eyes "single" is a combination of sincerity, generosity and simplicity.
Sincerity is defined as being without dissimulation, not self-seeking.If we are to become single, we must be honest with our feelings and motives.We should be honest with ourselves and with others.In Ephesians 6:5 Paul exhorts us to be obedient in our works towards others with singleness, meaning "sincerity of heart."We are to serve with true feelings not requiring or expecting anything in return.Yet, we know that God will reward our sincerity.This means that we don’t expect, plan or try to manipulate more than a "Thank You" at the end of the dinner date, the movies, the ride home or whatever the social activity.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul once again encourages us to serve with singleness, generosity of heart or abundant, plentiful giving: "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God" (Colossians 3:22). The generosity of singleness requires us to be willing to go that extra mile for others.Now there is always a limit to our generosity but that limit should be determined by God and not us.However, our generosity should not be a form of manipulation or control.We should never be generous just to serve our desires. God wants generosity out of love.
Lastly, we should develop an attitude of simplicity.Acts 2:46 indicates that the disciples, after being filled with the Holy Ghost, were in fellowship with each other in singleness (simplicity of heart).There was no deception or hypocrisy between them.They were honest with each other and themselves.Simplicity says that we are open and upright in our association and relationships. We do not seek to send confusing and complex "signals" to those we social circle.
Remember Moses declared that "the Lord our God is one Lord." God’s triune personalities are unified, with one collective thought.God is single, the perfect example of singleness.If we examine each aspect of singleness, it’s easy to see that they form one unified thought.This unified thought is between our actions, motives and feelings.I believe that as an unmarried Christian it is important to become single, one, andunified because our God is one, unified.
I encourage you to seek after singleness in your way of life.
Be Blessed!
