Singleness

The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."
Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others have been made eunuchs by men, and others have made themselves eunuchs because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it." Matthew 19:10-12

Jesus said this when the Pharisees asked if it was lawful to divorce ones wife for any and every reason. Jesus responded by saying that what God has joined together, let no one separate. He also says that anyone who divorces his wife for anything besides adultery and marries another woman commits adultery. That's when the disciples said that if this is the case then it's better not to marry. Jesus responds with that last paragraph, that not all can accept this, but only to "those whom it has been given."

"You'll get married. I promise." Is what I hear from people often times. Strangely, I've noticed when reading the Scriptures that God never once promises that we will get married (so what makes a mere person think they can). Indeed, it happens to most people, but some never get it. Eunuchs and many prophets in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ Himself, Paul, all these people were single. It seems that Jesus is saying that some are given not just the gift of singleness (if you're single, then you have the gift of singleness), but the gift of acceptance of that gift, "... and others have made themselves eunuchs because of the Kingdom of Heaven." Ones who will gladly embrace the gift as an opportunity to build the Kingdom of God here on earth. Pastor Paul Matthias at the Village church says that if you're single now then YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF SINGLENESS! Use it as an opportunity to serve the Lord and to grow in your faith and knowledge. It is a huge trial, one of loneliness and sexual frustration, but embrace the advantages you have in this state to grow the Kingdom. However, if you plan on being married in the future, use the opportunity to also get ready for it. Move out of the parents house and get your own place, get a savings account, grow up and be a man, read Scripture, grow in your faith with Jesus and mirror his character as best as your fallen heart can. Get yourself ready for the opportunity when the Lord in his providence brings you "the one." If it doesn't happen, don't ever think that God is overlooking you, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28. And, "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant- to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever." Isaiah 56:4-5. God is doing what is best for you, and when we finally see His glory and live with Him in the New Jerusalem, we won't be even a little upset about it.

Also, that verse from Romans 8 is one of the verses that tells me that it's not possible for a Christian to lose his or her salvation. That, however, is another post.